Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and hearty pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, rigatoni, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, ready in just 30 minutes!
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)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Drain excess grease to prevent an oily sauce.
- Combine Key Ingredients
- In the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well to coat the pasta.
- Simmer and Cook
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cover and let cook for 10–15 minutes until rigatoni is al dente.
- Incorporate Spinach
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, remove from heat, cover, and let residual heat wilt the spinach for 4 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency
- If a thicker sauce is desired, cook uncovered for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season and Serve
- Remove from heat and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if needed.
- Make it Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Cheesier Option: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
