Looking for a simple, delicious pasta recipe that packs a punch of flavor? This creamy sausage rigatoni recipe is the ultimate choice. With tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and a touch of spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make on a weeknight or for a special occasion. Read on to learn how to make this indulgent yet easy meal in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Start by cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
- Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping any bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Opt for Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose mild or spicy depending on your taste.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, add an extra splash of cream or sprinkle more Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 950mg
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
This creamy sausage rigatoni recipe is a versatile dish perfect for family dinners, romantic meals, or even a potluck! The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and creamy sauce creates a comforting, rich dish with layers of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
To ensure your creamy sausage rigatoni remains delicious and safe to eat, consider the following serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve the rigatoni in large bowls or on individual plates. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Add a Side: Complement the dish with a side salad (like a Caesar or mixed greens) and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Temperature: Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. The creamy sauce is best when hot and fresh.
- Additional Toppings: Consider offering extra toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of lemon zest to allow guests to customize their servings.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the leftover rigatoni to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the rigatoni. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen rigatoni in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating in the microwave, use medium heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between to prevent the pasta from drying out or becoming rubbery.
- Check for Freshness: Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers, such as off smells or changes in texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your creamy sausage rigatoni for days to come while maintaining its delightful flavors and textures!
- Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure the dish remains flavorful. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make creamy sausage rigatoni gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rigatoni or another gluten-free pasta of your choice. Be sure to check that your sausage and any other ingredients are also gluten-free. - Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the cream and sausage. - Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make creamy sausage rigatoni dairy-free by using coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Also, choose a dairy-free cheese alternative to replace the Parmesan for a delicious, creamy texture without dairy.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni combines tender pasta with savory Italian sausage in a rich, tomato-based cream sauce, accented with garlic and Parmesan. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any dinner night!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces as it cooks, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. If desired, drain excess grease. - Season and Simmer
Add garlic, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly. - Finish the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. - Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Mix in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For a less spicy dish, omit red pepper flakes.
- Save leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it saucy.