Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni coated in a luscious cream sauce with savory Italian sausage and a touch of tomato. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour—ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining.

ingredients

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

rigatoni pastaItalian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)olive oilyellow oniongarlic clovescrushed tomatoesheavy creamparmesan cheesefresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)saltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter version.

Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce richness.

Try penne or fusilli in place of rigatoni for a different texture.

Top with mozzarella and broil briefly for a baked pasta finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and brown it slightly before adding to the sauce for flavor.

Is this dish very spicy?

It depends on the sausage and red pepper flakes. Use mild sausage and omit flakes for a gentler version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and cook the pasta fresh before serving.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?

Try a Chianti, Barbera, or a dry white like Pinot Grigio.

Can I add cheese on top?

Absolutely—extra parmesan or even mozzarella adds richness.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rigatoni to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute.

Can I make this without cream?

You can use a plant-based cream or thicken with a bit of pasta water and cheese.

Will it be dry if reheated?

Add a splash of cream or water during reheating to maintain creaminess.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pan is large enough for the sauce and pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a crowd-pleasing comfort meal that delivers bold flavors and a creamy texture in every bite. It’s simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for special occasions. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your pasta rotation.

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