If you are craving a comforting Italian-American meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta drenched in a luscious, velvety sauce made with savory Italian sausage, a blend of tomatoes, and a splash of rich cream, all topped with freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant parsley. With its hearty flavors and inviting textures, this dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and elegant, making it ideal for any night of the week or when guests come over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the sausage evenly.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings bold, savory notes and a little spice if you choose the spicy variety.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth that balances the meatiness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth that makes the sauce memorable.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat for those who like a kick.
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Offers a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
- ½ cup tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor and creates a smoother sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that deepen the dish’s Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild pungency to complement the sausage.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This is the key to the luscious, creamy texture that defines this recipe.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes that elevate the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbaceous touch for color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this enhances the pasta’s flavor as it cooks. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is crucial because it holds up well against the thick, creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage after removing the casings. Breaking the meat apart with your spoon helps it cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is essential because browning the sausage intensifies its savory flavor, making the dish extra satisfying. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink inside, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning. This builds a fragrant base that flavors the entire sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly. This simmering stage deepens the sauce’s taste, making it rich and full-bodied.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns silky smooth and creamy. This is where the dish truly transforms, becoming irresistibly luscious and coating every ridged noodle with luscious flavor.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the cream sauce, gently folding it until every piece is evenly coated. Let the pasta sit on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to absorb some of the sauce and heat through, making every forkful perfectly warm and delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the pasta before serving. This simple garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor that brightens the entire dish and makes it feel thoughtfully finished, just like a homemade Italian classic.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy rigatoni with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complement the dish perfectly, as they are ideal for sopping up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe family-style in a large, rustic pasta bowl to encourage sharing and conversation. For a no-fuss dinner party, plate individual portions with a dusting of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an elegant touch that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy sausage rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen a bit over time, making the leftovers just as tasty, if not more so.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Freeze in meal-sized containers after the sauce and pasta have fully cooled. Use within 1 to 2 months for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it and keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or even shells would work wonderfully and give you a different but equally delicious texture experience.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
Try using spicy Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Is there a lighter version of this creamy sausage rigatoni recipe?
Yes. You can substitute the regular Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein. Additionally, using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream will reduce the fat content while still keeping the sauce tasty.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers blend beautifully with the sauce and sausage and add a nutritious element to the dish without compromising flavor.
How do I make this recipe nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free as written. Just be sure any substitutions or additional ingredients you use don’t contain nuts or nut-based products.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends or family. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality pasta meal in your own kitchen, full of rich flavor and satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Print
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting Italian-American pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a deliciously hearty meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to boost vegetable content.
