Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from Italian sausage, garlic, tomatoes, and heavy cream. This hearty meal is perfect for weeknights or a cozy dinner with family and friends. The combination of savory sausage and the velvety sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy:ย Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Rich and comforting:ย The creamy sauce is indulgent and satisfying, making this meal a comforting favorite.
  • Customizable:ย You can easily add extra vegetables or switch up the type of sausage to suit your tastes.
  • Family-friendly:ย This is a dish that both kids and adults will love.
  • Leftovers taste great:ย Itโ€™s even more flavorful the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Rigatoni pasta
  • Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta:ย Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the sausage:ย In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ the vegetables:ย In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sautรฉ until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cream:ย Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Combine everything:ย Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce cook for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Toss with pasta:ย Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
  7. Finish with cheese and herbs:ย Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve:ย Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 4-6
  • Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
  • Total Time:ย 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian option:ย Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables:ย Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
  • Spicy kick:ย Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Cheese lovers:ย Mix in some mozzarella or ricotta for an even creamier and cheesier sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:ย Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?

Cook the rigatoni al dente and toss it in the sauce right before serving to keep it firm.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work well with this sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

What type of sausage is best?

Italian sausage works best, but you can use mild, spicy, or even chicken sausage for different flavors.

Can I freeze this dish?

Itโ€™s not recommended as cream-based sauces donโ€™t freeze well and may separate when reheated.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or stir in more Parmesan cheese to thicken.

Can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try a plant-based cream alternative.

What can I serve with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?

Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage you use. For a milder dish, choose sweet Italian sausage. For more heat, opt for spicy sausage.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes adds extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy night in. With its rich sauce and tender pasta, itโ€™s a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is easy to customize, and leftovers are just as tasty, making it a versatile and reliable option for any occasion.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautรฉing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish made with spicy or mild Italian sausage, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a creamy tomato sauce. Itโ€™s a quick and easy meal thatโ€™s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for a weekend dinner. This dish will become a family favorite with its delicious balance of flavors and satisfying textures.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
  6. Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
  • Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot Italian sausage and adding more or less red pepper flakes.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *