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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 35 reviews

Enjoy a rich and creamy Sausage Rigatoni that combines savory Italian sausage with tender rigatoni pasta in a luscious tomato cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner full of authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled), sweet or spicy

Pasta and Grains

  • 8 oz rigatoni (uncooked)

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 15 oz tomato sauce (marinara or preferred tomato pasta sauce)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. 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 keep the sauce from being too oily.
  2. Combine Key Ingredients: Into the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to evenly coat the pasta.
  3. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Cover with a lid and let the rigatoni cook for 10 to 15 minutes until al dente and infused with the creamy tomato flavor.
  4. Incorporate Spinach: When the pasta is tender, add fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir over medium heat until the spinach wilts, or cover and let it wilt from residual heat for about 4 minutes off the burner.
  5. Adjust the Consistency: For a thicker sauce, uncover the skillet and simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning until the desired thickness is reached.
  6. Season and Serve: Remove from heat and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. Taste carefully since the sausage can add saltiness. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: While rigatoni is ideal, penne or ziti can be good substitutes. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as they don’t hold the sauce well.
  • Customizing Heat: Use hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for spicier flavor; sweet sausage for milder taste.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
  • Make It Cheesier: Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving for extra richness.
  • Thicker Sauce: Use slightly less chicken broth or simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to thicken sauce.

Keywords: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, Italian sausage pasta, creamy tomato sauce, comfort food pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipes, sausage rigatoni

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-sausage-rigatoni-recipe/