Tuscan-Style Hearty Pasta Sauce
This Tuscan-Style Hearty Pasta Sauce is a quick and satisfying recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. Made with sweet Italian turkey sausage, hearty cannellini beans, and nutrient-rich frozen spinach, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal chopping, as you can even opt for pre-chopped onion and garlic, this easy recipe is bursting with deliciousness. The combination of protein from the sausage and beans, along with the freshness from tomatoes and spinach, creates a wholesome and vibrant sauce that perfectly complements any pasta. Enjoy your meal while savoring the essence of Tuscan cuisine!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honeysuckle White Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage
2 links (Casings removed and crumbled)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Small Onion
1 (Diced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Great Northern or Cannellini Beans
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (Undrained)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed and squeezed)
Beef Broth
1/2-1 cup (As needed for consistency)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the sausage, crumbling it as you cook, for about 5-7 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the sausage.
2
Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
3
Next, stir in the drained beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and the squeezed thawed spinach. Mix everything together until well combined, allowing the ingredients to meld.
4
Gradually add beef broth, a little at a time, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick yet slightly saucy, usually around 1/2 cup broth for a chunky result.
5
Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance flavor blending.
6
Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan-Style Hearty Pasta Sauce?
It is a quick, nutrient-rich sauce made with sweet Italian turkey sausage, cannellini beans, frozen spinach, and diced tomatoes, designed for easy weeknight dinners.
Can I use pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey sausage with pork Italian sausage for a richer flavor, though turkey sausage is a leaner, healthier option used in the original recipe.
Which types of beans work best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are ideal because they have a creamy texture that holds up well in the sauce.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach for this sauce?
The spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
Is this pasta sauce recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
What kind of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for beef broth to add depth, but you can also use chicken or vegetable broth depending on what you have on hand.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be browned and crumbled in a skillet for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is fully cooked through.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh baby spinach. You will need a large amount (about 5-6 cups) as it wilts significantly during the simmering process.
What pasta goes well with Tuscan-style sauce?
Hearty pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent choices because they can hold the chunky beans and sausage well.
How do I control the consistency of the sauce?
Gradually add the beef broth 1/4 cup at a time while stirring until you reach your preferred thickness; usually, 1/2 cup results in a chunky, hearty sauce.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the undrained diced tomatoes. The juices from the can provide essential liquid and flavor for the base of the sauce.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the sauce itself is prepared entirely in one large skillet or Dutch oven, making cleanup very easy.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this pasta sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add more vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots would be great additions to increase the nutrient density.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic after the sausage has browned and the onion has started to soften, and only sauté it for about 4 minutes on medium heat.
What garnishes do you recommend?
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, provided your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free. Serve it over gluten-free pasta to keep the whole meal GF.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Yes, you can use a mix of fresh oregano, basil, and rosemary. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What if I don't have a Dutch oven?
A large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed stockpot will work just as well for preparing this sauce.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add the full cup of beef broth or even a little extra until you reach your desired texture.
Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes, Italian-style chicken sausage is an excellent substitute for turkey sausage in this recipe.
What is the best way to reheat this sauce?
Reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of dry red or white wine can be added after the onions and garlic are sautéed to deglaze the pan and add complexity.
Is this a quick meal for weeknights?
Yes, with minimal chopping and a short 10-minute simmer time, it is perfect for busy nights.
Can I use pre-chopped garlic and onions?
Yes, using pre-chopped ingredients is a great way to save time and make this recipe even easier.
Does this sauce contain a lot of fiber?
Yes, the combination of cannellini beans and spinach makes this sauce high in dietary fiber.
Why do I need to simmer it for 10 minutes?
Simmering allows the flavors of the sausage, spices, and tomatoes to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious sauce.