Description
The Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that combines tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety sauce ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, crumbled)
- 8 ounce rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 15 ounce tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 5 ounce fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1. In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light and creamy.
2. To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and coat the pasta.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed the creamy tomato flavors.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Alternatively, you can turn off the heat, cover, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
5. If you’d like a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
6. Dish up The Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy this cozy, satisfying meal!
Notes
Choosing the right sausage is key to achieving the perfect flavor balance. Go for sweet Italian sausage if you prefer a milder taste, or spicy sausage for a bit of a kick. You can also adjust the creaminess to your personal preference by adding more or less heavy cream.
For dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta or use a plant-based cream alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Leftover The Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 35 grams
- Saturated Fat: 20 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 milligrams