Irresistible Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy sausage rigatoni brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Robust Italian sausage blends perfectly with velvety sauce, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pasta lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can spark culinary magic in minutes.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream weave together, promising a dish that satisfies deep hunger.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a delightful tang, elevating this classic combination.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe Overview

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this sausage rigatoni comes together in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for home cooks with limited time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and hearty sausage, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces at the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients or adjust spice levels, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and pantry contents.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for anyone seeking a convenient meal solution.

Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: A sturdy tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces.
• Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and tanginess.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients build layers of flavor and provide a balanced taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herb note and a pop of green color to the finished dish.

How to Make Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Sausage

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble sausage into the pan and cook until it develops a golden-brown color and breaks into small pieces.

Step 3: Infuse With Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and sauté until its aroma fills the kitchen, which takes about one minute.

Step 4: Blend Marinara

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Reserved pasta water

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Season and Spice

• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips for Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

• Save and use reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps ingredients bind together perfectly.
• Break sausage into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even flavor distribution and better texture.
• Add heavy cream on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious, velvety sauce consistency.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and stir gradually into the sauce for optimal melting and rich, creamy flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, allowing each person to customize their spice preference.

Flavor Variations for Sausage Rigatoni

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version that keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add fresh basil instead of parsley, increase red pepper flakes, and include diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage Rigatoni

• Pasta Night Perfection: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, tangy finish that elevates the creamy sausage rigatoni.
• Hearty Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Bread Lovers' Dream: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to your meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully matches the robust sausage and creamy flavors.

Storage Tips for Sausage Rigatoni

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or mostaccioli. Choose a pasta with ridges that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at the table for those who want extra heat.

• What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, but you can use mild or hot varieties depending on your preference. Ground pork sausage or turkey sausage are also good alternatives.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rigatoni with creamy sausage sauce delivers Italian comfort on a plate. Simple ingredients combine to create a hearty meal that satisfies your craving for rich, homestyle cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare rigatoni in boiling water according to package guidelines, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, then introduce sausage and crumble while browning thoroughly.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the sausage mixture, sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 45-60 seconds.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, then incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and reserved pasta water, whisking until sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the rich mixture.
7. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
8. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each rigatoni noodle.
• Sausage Selection: Choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick or mild version for a more kid-friendly meal, ensuring the meat is fully browned for maximum flavor development.
• Cream Consistency: Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent curdling, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that binds all ingredients together beautifully.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free rigatoni, use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream for a vegetarian/vegan version, or substitute turkey sausage for a lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 820 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 58 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg