Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni to warm you up on a chilly evening. The combination of tender rigatoni, rich and savory sausage, and a luxuriously creamy sauce is pure magic. It's a dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is so easy to make it can become a weeknight staple.

I first whipped up this recipe on a whim, combining pantry staples with some spicy Italian sausage that was sitting in the fridge. The result? A creamy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that my family can't get enough of. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dish. This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is packed with flavor and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

First off, this recipe is incredibly quick to make. From boiling the pasta to simmering the sauce, you'll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Next, the flavors are unbeatable. The spicy Italian sausage adds a punch of heat, balanced beautifully by the creamy, garlicky sauce. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and you've got a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

It’s also a one-pan wonder when it comes to the sauce. Less cleanup, more time to relax after dinner! Plus, the versatility of this recipe is unmatched. Whether you prefer mild sausage or want to throw in extra veggies, this rigatoni adapts to your preferences.

With its rich flavor and simplicity, this pasta is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Ready to start cooking? Let’s break down the ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one works together to create a dish that's rich, satisfying, and perfectly balanced.

The pasta is the backbone of this recipe. I recommend using rigatoni for its hearty shape and ridges, which hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re out of rigatoni, penne or ziti can work as substitutes, though rigatoni’s texture is hard to beat.

The star of the show is Italian sausage. Whether you opt for spicy or mild, sausage adds depth and richness to the dish. Be sure to remove the casings so you can crumble the sausage as it cooks, allowing the flavors to meld into the sauce.

For the sauce, you’ll need heavy cream and chicken broth. This duo creates a luscious base that’s both creamy and light. If you're looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less indulgent.

Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for this recipe—it adds a nutty, savory element that elevates the sauce. Pre-shredded Parmesan will do in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Finally, you’ll need garlic and onion for the aromatic foundation of the dish. They add a subtle sweetness and complexity that ties everything together. Have a large skillet and wooden spoon handy, and you’re all set to start cooking!

How To Make This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Making this delicious pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you'll have a creamy, flavorful dinner ready in no time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente texture. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—this will help adjust the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and lightly crisped. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs in with delight!

Storage Options

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store in the fridge, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to stir frequently as you reheat to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating is simple—just warm the pasta gently over low heat, adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce if needed. It's just as delicious the next day!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap out the sausage: If you’re not a fan of pork sausage, try chicken sausage or even ground turkey. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
• Add veggies: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. They’ll cook quickly in the creamy sauce.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone. Just be sure to check the pasta's cooking time.
• Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and opt for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

No matter how you customize this recipe, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—you might just discover a new family favorite!

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