Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines hearty Italian sausage with al dente rigatoni noodles, all coated in a luscious, peppery cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and savory depth. The rigatoni’s tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, while the browned sausage adds texture and rich umami flavor. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that will become a household favorite.

Ingredients

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

Rigatoni pasta
Italian sausage (mild or hot)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and simmer gently.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and black pepper on top.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Swap rigatoni with penne or fusilli for a different texture.
Stir in a touch of tomato paste for a creamy tomato flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet with a splash of cream or water and warm over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent separation of the cream sauce.

FAQs

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Mild or hot Italian sausage works best. You can use ground or casing-removed sausage links.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. A mixture of milk and a little butter can help enrich it.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you use hot Italian sausage. You can control the spice level by choosing mild sausage and reducing black pepper.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

What pasta alternatives can I use?

Penne, ziti, or even fettuccine will work well.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta and check that the sausage is gluten-free.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It is not recommended to freeze cream-based pasta dishes as the sauce can separate when thawed.

What wine pairs well with creamy sausage rigatoni?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs beautifully.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for a smoother sauce, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is an irresistible, comfort-filled pasta dish that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, it promises flavor and indulgence in every bite.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

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A rich and comforting pasta dish made with hearty sausage, creamy sauce, and tender rigatoni. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.