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. It’s a quick and easy meal that’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
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.