Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors. Tender rigatoni pasta is tossed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and a blend of cheeses for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home!

Recipe Overview

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 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 aside.

2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. If the sausage releases a lot of fat, drain some of it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Reduce heat to low, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.

6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try fontina, provolone, or asiago for a different cheesy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni to make this dish gluten-free.

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory sausage goodness, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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