Hearty rigatoni pasta in a creamy sauce with flavorful sausage and tender spinach, this comforting dish delivers rich taste and satisfying texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy rigatoni is the epitome of comfort food: robust, indulgent, and easy to prepare. The savory sausage adds bold flavor, while the spinach introduces a touch of freshness and color. The thick pasta tubes soak up the rich, creamy sauce, making each mouthful full of warmth and depth. Ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness and nourishment.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rigatoni pasta
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh spinach
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional: chicken broth or reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens.
Toss in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Add drained rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Substitute kale or arugula for spinach.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Swap rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or other short pasta shapes.
Make it dairy-free using coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces may separate after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice or crumble it and heat through with the sauce ingredients.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Rigatoni holds creamy sauces well, but penne, ziti, or shells are great alternatives.

3. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk or half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.

4. Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. You can control the heat level easily.

5. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rigatoni or pasta of choice and ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas are excellent additions to increase nutritional value.

7. What kind of cheese works best?

Parmesan adds depth and saltiness. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes.

8. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store sauce and pasta separately for best results when reheating.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add reserved pasta water or broth a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

10. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it a great choice for weekly meal planning.

Conclusion

Creamy rigatoni with sausage and spinach is a decadent yet approachable pasta dish that brings comforting flavors to your table. With rich sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat balanced by greens, this is a recipe you’ll return to time and again.