Creamy Sausage Rotini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and generously season it with salt (about 1-2 tablespoons). Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Reserve pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce later and allow it to cling better to the pasta.
Drain the pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
Brown the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain excess fat: If there’s excess fat after cooking the sausage, carefully drain it off, leaving a little in the pan for flavor.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet with the cooked sausage, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter is melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting them soften and release their oils.
Add cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or pasta water if you prefer to use that for added starch). Stir to combine, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Season the sauce: Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine pasta with the sauce
Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sausage and sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce adhere better.
Simmer for flavor: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together on low heat for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta fully absorbs the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish and serve: Once the pasta is well-coated and heated through, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent, creamy dish!
Notes and Tips:
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Be sure to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor. The oil adds an extra layer of richness to the sauce. If you use dried sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before using.
Sausage Options: For this recipe, you can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage, or even a mix of both. If you prefer a leaner version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Pasta Variations: While rotini is ideal for this creamy sauce, you can substitute it with any other short pasta, like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. The key is to use a shape that can hold the creamy sauce.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a diced fresh chili pepper to the sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Cream Substitution: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with the heavy cream.
Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is an excellent addition to the sauce, helping it thicken and making it cling to the pasta better. Don’t skip this step if you want the sauce to be perfectly smooth.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and warm it over medium heat, stirring to bring the sauce back to life.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy sausage rotini pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will complement the creamy flavors of the pasta.
Serve with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. A baguette or garlic bread would work perfectly.
A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, would be a great pairing with the creamy and savory flavors of the dish.
This Creamy Sausage Rotini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is sure to become a weeknight favorite! With its creamy, savory sauce and the delicious bite of the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!