A Comforting and Flavorful Pasta Dish
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with a luscious, creamy tomato sauce. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, offering bold flavors and a comforting texture. The combination of al dente rigatoni, savory sausage, and a creamy sauce ensures a delightful balance that will please any palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Creamy – The sauce is smooth and indulgent, perfectly coating the rigatoni.
- Flavorful and Hearty – Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Versatile – Easily adjust the spice level or add vegetables for variety.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and basil. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until fully combined. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Version – Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Different Pasta – Try penne, fusilli, or farfalle instead of rigatoni.
- Cheese Swap – Experiment with Pecorino Romano or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a variation.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan for a lactose-free version.
What can I serve with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?
A side of garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pairs perfectly with this dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from drying out?
Reserve pasta water and add it gradually to the sauce to maintain a creamy consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them longer to achieve a rich sauce.
Is there a way to reduce the fat content?
Use turkey sausage, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this a baked pasta dish?
Yes! Transfer the combined pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil if not combining immediately with the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something indulgent to serve guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and texture. With its rich sauce, hearty sausage, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade Italian-inspired meal!
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Make this delicious Creamy Sausage Rigatoni in just 30 minutes! A rich, hearty Italian pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce and savory sausage. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into pieces. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In the same skillet, cook onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer – Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese – Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and stir. Return sausage to the skillet, then mix in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta – Add cooked rigatoni, tossing to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Version – Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Different Pasta – Swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Cheese Swap – Try Pecorino Romano or mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta , dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy sausage rigatoni, pasta with sausage, Italian pasta, weeknight pasta, tomato cream sauce
