Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage is your new go-to. This dish perfectly balances the rich, velvety creaminess of tomatoes and basil with the savory depth of turkey sausage, making every bite utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmered tomatoes. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends. Ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!

Why Cooks Rave About It

This Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage recipe hits all the right notes. The juicy turkey sausage adds a lean, flavorful protein punch without overpowering the delicate tomato and basil sauce. The sauce itself is luxuriously creamy but not heavy, thanks to the perfect blend of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. The garlic and dried basil infuse the dish with aromatic layers, while the Parmesan cheese lends a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together. It’s a balanced, one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

What really wins hearts is how versatile and approachable this recipe is. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make it, and the ingredients are straightforward pantry staples. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra flavor and nutrition without compromising on taste. If you love dishes like Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll adore this creamy pasta take that brings those same comforting flavors in a satisfying new form.

What’s in the Bowl

• 8 ounces penne pasta – The perfect shape to hold the sauce and sausage bits in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and garlic to golden perfection.
• 1 pound turkey sausage, casings removed – Lean and flavorful, it adds a delicious meaty texture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Brings a pungent, aromatic base to the sauce.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – Rich and tangy, the heart of the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds that silky, creamy texture that turns simple tomatoes into a luscious sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – Infuses the sauce with an herbal, slightly sweet flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a savory, nutty finish with a touch of saltiness.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish – Adds a fresh, fragrant pop of green color and flavor.

Equipment at a Glance

• Large pot – For boiling the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
• Large skillet or sauté pan – To brown the turkey sausage and cook the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sausage and sauce as they cook.
• Colander – To drain the cooked pasta.
• Grater – For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Cook Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage Like This

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage (with casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. This step unlocks the garlic’s aromatic magic and forms the base of your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Basil Sauce

Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the skillet and mix everything until combined. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Toss Pasta in Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is well coated in the luscious, creamy tomato basil sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Pair it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• Pasta: Use gluten-free penne or other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for similar sauce-capturing textures.
• Turkey sausage: Substitute with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives for different flavor profiles.
• Heavy cream: Swap with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great vegan-friendly option that adds a cheesy flavor.

Insider Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat.
• Fresh basil is best added at the very end to preserve its bright color and aromatic oils.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starch helps bind the sauce and pasta for a silky finish.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt stirred in just before serving.
• Brown the sausage well for caramelized bits that deepen the flavor of the sauce.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

This Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

For freezing, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Avoid freezing the pasta with cream-based sauces if you want to keep the texture perfect; alternatively, freeze the sauce and pasta separately.

FAQ

Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While turkey sausage keeps the dish lean, you can substitute with chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative depending on your preference. Just make sure to remove casings if needed and brown the sausage well for maximum flavor.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives this dish its signature creamy texture and richness, but you can substitute it with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. For a lighter version, mixing in some Greek yogurt just before serving works well too.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or stir in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne powder to the sauce. These small additions will give your Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked penne pasta. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture and freshness.

Cook This Next

• Creamy Tomato Pasta – Another luscious and indulgent tomato-based pasta dish you’ll love.
• Instant Pot Sausage And Potatoes – A hearty one-pot meal that pairs beautifully with pasta nights.
• Tomato Basil Soup – A cozy, comforting soup that shares the same beloved flavor profile as this pasta.

The Takeaway

Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Turkey Sausage is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor and comfort. The marriage of juicy sausage, rich tomato cream sauce, and fragrant basil creates a pasta experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Its simplicity, versatility, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special. So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and get ready to savor every creamy, savory bite!

Share on Pinterest