Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled (sweet or spicy); 8 oz rigatoni, uncooked; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence; 15 oz tomato sauce (marinara or pasta sauce); 5 oz fresh spinach; Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a delightful pasta dish that combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with a rich, velvety sauce. This one-pan recipe is both hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Preparation: Minimizes cleanup, allowing you to enjoy more time at the table.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
Customizable: Easily adjust the level of spiciness or substitute ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
15 oz tomato sauce (tomato pasta sauce or marinara)
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent the sauce from becoming overly oily.
Combine Key Ingredients: To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rigatoni cook for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches an “al dente” texture, absorbing the flavors of the creamy tomato sauce.
Incorporate Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Alternatively, remove the skillet from heat, cover with a lid, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
Adjust the Consistency: If a thicker sauce is desired, allow the dish to cook uncovered for a couple of additional minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Be cautious with the salt, as Italian sausage can be salty on its own. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Pasta Choice: While rigatoni is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute penne or ziti if needed. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as well.
Customizing Heat: If you love spicy food, opt for hot Italian sausage and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick to sweet Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Make It Cheesier: Add a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving for an extra layer of richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is recommended for its robust flavor. Choose based on your heat preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or ziti can be used as substitutes. However, avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as well.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative to maintain the hearty texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the dish’s texture.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for more heat. For a milder version, opt for sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and Parmesan salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is also great for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Absolutely! Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor and creaminess.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Be sure to cook the rigatoni until just al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce even after being removed from heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty pasta, flavorful sausage, and a luscious, creamy tomato sauce in one simple dish. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!