Description
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring rigatoni coated in a luscious Alfredo sauce with garlic-infused sausage. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz rigatoni
- Protein: 1 lb garlic sausage, casing removed (or sliced if pre-cooked)
- Dairy: 2 tbsp butter, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Seasoning: 3 cloves garlic (minced), ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste), ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Other: ½ cup pasta water (reserved), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni – Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic Sausage – Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce – Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning – Stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine Everything – Toss cooked pasta and sausage into the sauce. Add shredded mozzarella if using, letting it melt.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve warm.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian sausage.
- Add Vegetables: Try mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano or Gruyère instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic sausage pasta, Alfredo rigatoni, easy dinner recipe, comfort food