There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with flavor, vibrant color, and healthy ingredients. Enter Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta: a dish that’s as luscious as it is easy to make. This delightful recipe brings together the rich taste of turkey sausage, the sweet tang of sun dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach – all blanketed in a velvety, cheesy sauce. The best part? Dinner’s on the table in less than 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend cravings.
Fun fact: this recipe was created in my kitchen after realizing I had a jar of sun dried tomatoes and some turkey sausage that needed using up—proof that the tastiest dishes can be born from a little kitchen improvisation. Like my reader favorite Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, this recipe is perfect for families, date nights, or casual get-togethers. If you’re searching for your next pasta obsession, give this a try—your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you! So grab a fork and a deep bowl, and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again.
What is Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta?
Does this recipe’s name sound like a bit of a mouthful? That’s because it’s packed with ALL the good stuff! Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta explains it all: a hearty pasta dish layered with savory ground turkey sausage, sweet-tart sun dried tomatoes, tender spinach—oh, and did I mention a luxuriously creamy sauce? Some might wonder, “Couldn’t they have called it ‘deliciousness in a bowl’?” Well, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and believe me, with a name like this, you’ll remember what’s winning hearts at dinner time tonight! Ready to taste all that goodness? Grab your favorite pot and let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This
First and foremost, this recipe’s creamy sauce is the star of the show. With a blend of cream cheese, half and half, Parmesan, and Asiago, every bite is luxuriously smooth—perfect for coating hearty turkey sausage and al dente pasta. Making this at home is not only budget-friendly (why pay restaurant prices for a weeknight bowl?) but gives you full control over ingredient quality and portion sizes. Plus, sun dried tomatoes lend a burst of sweet intensity, while baby spinach adds color, nutrition, and freshness.
If you’ve loved my Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, this turkey sausage version will knock your socks off with its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Don’t forget those fruity tomatoes and nutty cheese on top for a restaurant-worthy finish. Take a chance on this new favorite—your kitchen and your family will thank you!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. A rich, cheesy sauce is whisked up while turkey sausage browns, and the dish comes together in just over half an hour. No complicated steps or fancy equipment: just bold flavors and a few easy techniques. Even on your busiest weeknight, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it simmered all afternoon!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups half and half
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2-1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/3 cup Asiago cheese, freshly grated
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound turkey sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil, reserved from sun dried tomatoes jar
1 8-ounce jar of sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and sliced
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups baby spinach
12 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Step-by-Step
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water (in case you want to thin the sauce later). Set aside. - Brown the Turkey Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun dried tomato jar over medium heat in a large skillet. Add turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until well browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce
Return the skillet to the stove and melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling. - Add Creamy Ingredients
Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking, then add the softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Slowly add 1/2 cup broth. If the sauce seems too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency. - Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the Asiago and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Flavors
Add the garlic and sun dried tomatoes to the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted. - Bring It All Together
Add the browned turkey sausage back to the skillet. Toss everything to combine. Add cooked pasta and stir well to coat in sauce. If you need to loosen the sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water. - Final Touches & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and a few additional sun dried tomatoes if desired.
What to Serve Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta With
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for sopping up extra sauce. For a cozy dinner, a bowl of roasted vegetables—like broccoli or asparagus—rounds out the meal beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, pour a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for the ultimate dinner table experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have turkey sausage? Try chicken or spicy Italian sausage. Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery kick.
- Cheese Choices: Freshly grated cheeses melt better and lend a more intense flavor than pre-shredded.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for just al dente so the pasta holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Sun Dried Tomato Magic: Use the oil from the tomato jar—it’s packed with flavor!
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with pasta water or extra broth until silky.
- Prep in Advance: Pre-chop the veggies and grate your cheese to streamline cooking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth, heating gently and stirring to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove as above, adding a touch of cream or broth if needed for a smooth, rich sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Definitely. Chicken, pork, or even plant-based sausages work well. Just adjust seasoning as needed.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and sausage ahead and store separately. Make and combine the sauce fresh for best results.
What if I don’t like sun dried tomatoes?
No problem—roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms are delicious alternatives for this recipe.
How can I make the dish lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat half and half, and turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, but keep an eye on the overall sauce texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that turns any night into a memorable meal. Easy enough for busy evenings but special enough to impress, it features a creamy, flavor-packed sauce, hearty sausage, and a pop of color from sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Whether you’re enjoying dinner for one or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new pasta night favorite! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out other creamy pasta dishes on the blog and let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
Creamy Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2.5 cups Half and Half
- 0.25 cup Cream Cheese Softened
- 0.5-1 cup Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Or chicken broth
- 0.33 cup Asiago Cheese Freshly grated
- 0.33 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 pound Turkey Sausage
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Reserved from sun dried tomatoes jar
- 1 8-ounce jar Sun Dried Tomatoes In olive oil, drained and sliced
- 0.5 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta Or pasta of choice
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Set aside.
- 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun dried tomato jar over medium heat in a large skillet. Add turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until well browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- 3. Return the skillet to the stove and melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling.
- 4. Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking, then add the softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Slowly add 1/2 cup broth. If the sauce seems too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- 5. Stir in the Asiago and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Add the garlic and sun dried tomatoes to the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted.
- 7. Add the browned turkey sausage back to the skillet. Toss everything to combine. Add cooked pasta and stir well to coat in sauce. If you need to loosen the sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- 8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and a few additional sun dried tomatoes if desired.