If you love rich, creamy pasta packed with flavor, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a must try! Made with hearty Italian sausage, a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy yet restaurant quality pasta will impress every time!
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (for extra depth)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
3Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
1In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles.
2Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
3If the pan is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
1Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
4Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish the Pasta
1Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
2Toss in the cooked rigatoni, stirring to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
3If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth.
4Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
1Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy!
Notes:
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor, or mild for a classic taste.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan & cream cheese, they make the sauce extra creamy!
- Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta into one perfect dish. It’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
