Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that combines hearty flavors with a creamy texture, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week ahead. It features al dente rigatoni enveloped in a rich and savory sauce made from Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and a generous splash of heavy cream. The best part? It can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for those busy nights when you still want a delicious homemade meal.

This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also allows for customization based on your preferences. You can choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage, and add in your favorite vegetables if desired. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this creamy rigatoni is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll love this dish even more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is its versatility. The ingredients are simple and accessible, making it easy to whip up on a whim. Here are a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy: With a preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes creates a robust flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Comfort Food: The creamy sauce is comforting and indulgent, perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up.
• Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to master. The creamy texture paired with the savory sausage makes it a winning combination that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Now, let’s discuss why you should try this recipe today!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Rich and Satisfying: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni. Each bite is rich and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters at home, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The familiar flavors are sure to win them over.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.
• Endless Variations: You can easily tweak the recipe by using different types of sausage or adding in your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. The delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks will have your family gathering around the table in anticipation. Plus, you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your Italian feast. Ready to get cooking? Let’s gather the ingredients!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To prepare the Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
• Olive oil for cooking

Now, let’s talk about the utensils you’ll need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for preparing the sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

With these ingredients and utensils in hand, you’re all set to make this delicious creamy rigatoni. Now, let’s get into the detailed steps for preparing this delightful dish.

Detailed Recipe Steps

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside. Remember not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. This step is essential for developing the rich flavor of the sausage.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well to create a creamy sauce. Let this simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients and let simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop fully.
6. Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is enveloped in that delicious sauce.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and well combined. The cheese adds a delightful richness to the dish, enhancing its flavor.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

FAQs

In conclusion, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. With its rich flavors, quick preparation time, and ease of customization, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out Crockpot Goulash for a comforting one-pot meal!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

This creamy sausage rigatoni pasta dish is a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz Rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 medium Onion diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil for cooking
• to taste Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well to create a creamy sauce.
• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce.
• Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and well combined.
• Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and turkey sausage for the Italian sausage.

Keyword creamy, delicious, easy, pasta, quick