If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and tangy notes, look no further than this Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe. It’s that kind of dish where each bite feels like a warm hug—comforting yet exciting—with tender pasta wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and spicy sausage. This recipe delivers an incredible depth of taste with surprisingly accessible ingredients, making it a true kitchen favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining alike.
Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the smoky punch of Andouille sausage to the luscious creaminess of heavy cream, and the vibrant burst of sun-dried tomatoes that adds color and complexity. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this culinary delight.
- 12 ounces pasta: Cooked al dente, it provides the perfect chewy foundation for the sauce to cling to.
- 2 links Andouille or smoked sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy depth that infuses every bite with bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings out the richness of the sausage and helps tenderize shallots and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides extra richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 1 shallot: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with robust, savory warmth.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce that luscious consistency.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and creates the saucy body before cream is added.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: Brings a dreamy smoothness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: Grated for a salty, nutty punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Drained well, these give vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: A gentle herbal note that complements the tomatoes and sausage.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Salt: Adjust to taste to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by slicing the Andouille or smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and crispy on the edges. This browning builds layers of flavor you won’t want to skip. Remove the sausage and set it aside, then add the butter to the pan. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and translucent. This step creates the perfect aromatic foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour into the skillet with the cooked shallots and garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste—this also helps the sauce thicken later. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until it starts to thicken. This is where the magic begins as the sauce develops a creamy, silky texture.
Step 3: Add Cream and Flavor Enhancers
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors meld perfectly and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Return the browned sausage to the skillet and gently combine. Season with salt to taste, always remembering to taste as you go. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma by this point.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta
Drain the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s al dente, and fold it gently into the sauce. Toss well so that every strand is gloriously coated with the sun-dried tomato sauce and bits of sausage bliss. Give it a few minutes over low heat to let all the flavors marry beautifully and warm the pasta through. Now your Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe is ready to shine!
How to Serve Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving. These garnishes add a vibrant freshness and beautiful presentation that make the dish feel extra special. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil is also a lovely finishing touch that brings a glossy shine.
Side Dishes
This rich and flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Consider a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a simple plate of roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can also complement the creamy sauce perfectly, inviting you to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herb on top. For a cozy family-style meal, present the pasta in a beautiful serving dish with extra Parmesan on the side. Even try layering some sun-dried tomatoes and sausage on top to showcase those vibrant ingredients that make this recipe so memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long!), store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when you reheat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream helps recapture that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pasta with sun-dried tomato sauce and sausage, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately if possible. Pasta tends to get a bit soft when frozen and thawed, so reheating the sauce alone and tossing with freshly cooked pasta results in a better texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce and restore its lusciousness. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as slow reheating helps maintain the complex flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Andouille or smoked sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a mild chicken sausage depending on your flavor preferences.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They are key to the signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor of this sauce, but if you don’t have any, sun-dried tomato paste or even roasted red peppers can be a decent substitute.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Short to medium pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully because they capture the chunky bits of sausage and sun-dried tomato sauce well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes and the sausage’s smoky spice. You can easily adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes or choosing a spicier sausage.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to, whether after a busy day or when you want to impress family and friends without stress. Its comforting creaminess paired with the bold flavors of sausage and sun-dried tomatoes creates a truly joyous eating experience. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Sausage Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting pasta dish features al dente pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spicy Andouille sausage. The combination of savory sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes makes it a perfect weeknight dinner that is flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta, cooked to al dente
Sausage and Sauce
- 2 links Andouille or smoked sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained well
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice the Andouille or smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed shallot and garlic, stirring constantly to combine and cook out the raw flour taste, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until well combined and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and evenly mixed with sausage and tomatoes. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, use turkey sausage and reduce heavy cream to half and substitute with milk.
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
