Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe – Easy & Delicious Pasta Dish

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

Looking for a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s easy to make? This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender rigatoni, and a velvety, cheesy sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe – Easy & Delicious Pasta Dish

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you need to make this indulgent, creamy pasta:

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces (340 g) rigatoni pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sausage and Sauce

  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

The Secret to a Creamy, Savory Sauce

The key to getting a perfect creamy and flavorful sauce lies in these three steps:

  1. Browning the Sausage – Cooking the sausage first builds a rich, meaty flavor base for the sauce.
  2. Balancing Acidity and Creaminess – The combination of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream creates a smooth, tangy yet rich sauce.
  3. Using Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and thickens the sauce naturally.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Rigatoni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
  3. Remove any excess grease if necessary, then add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Serve and Garnish

  1. Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Italian sausage, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni make the perfect comfort meal!

Key Tips for Success

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente – The pasta will absorb some sauce, so slightly undercooking it prevents mushy noodles.
  • Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Save Pasta Water – A splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Adjust Spice Level – If you love heat, use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize:

  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free rigatoni or another pasta substitute.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative – Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
  • Extra Vegetables – Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Different Protein – Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage as a lighter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with sides for a complete meal:

  • Garlic Bread – The perfect way to scoop up every bit of creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing – Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Pasta – Rigatoni should be firm to hold up in the sauce.
  • Too Thick or Thin Sauce – Adjust with pasta water or more cream to get the right consistency.
  • Not Browning the Sausage Properly – A deep golden-brown sear enhances the flavor of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it naturally.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook fresh pasta and toss it with the warmed sauce before serving.


Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is a rich, satisfying, and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With bold flavors from Italian sausage, a velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.

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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Indulge in creamy, savory perfection with this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni! Featuring tender rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce with flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces (340 g) rigatoni pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sausage and Sauce

  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the Rigatoni
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  • Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
    • Remove excess grease if needed, then add onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
    • Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
    • Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
    • Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Combine the Pasta and Sauce
    • Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Serve and Garnish
    • Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushy noodles.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better for a creamy texture.
  • Save Pasta Water – Helps loosen and bind the sauce for the perfect consistency.
  • Adjust Spice Level – Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat!

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