Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta dish on a chilly evening. Creamy sausage rigatoni delivers on all fronts, combining the savory richness of Italian sausage with a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It's a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprising ease.

I first discovered this recipe on a weekend when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a go-to favorite, and now it's a staple in our weeknight rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Get ready to meet your new pasta obsession. Creamy sausage rigatoni isn’t just delicious – it’s a dinner game-changer.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.

The combination of flavors is absolutely divine. The spicy, savory sausage pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce, creating a balanced dish that feels both comforting and elevated.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. Whether you prefer spicy sausage, mild sausage, or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms, the possibilities are endless. It’s perfect for families or entertaining friends, as you can tweak it to suit any taste preference.

Finally, it’s a one-pan wonder. Aside from boiling the pasta, most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. What more could you ask for in a weeknight dinner?

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of creamy sausage rigatoni lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

The rigatoni is the star of the show. Its large, tube-like shape and ridges are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. While other pasta shapes can work, rigatoni truly shines here.

The Italian sausage brings bold, savory flavor. I recommend using a mix of mild and spicy sausage for a balanced heat, but you can adjust based on your spice preference. If you have sausage links, simply remove the casings before cooking.

For the sauce, a blend of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luscious, silky texture. The cream gives richness, while the broth adds depth without making the dish overly heavy. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won’t be quite as decadent.

Parmesan cheese ties the sauce together, adding a nutty, salty finish. Freshly grated is best, as it melts smoothly and enhances the flavor of the dish.

Finally, garlic and onion provide an aromatic base, infusing the sauce with savory depth. Don’t skip these, as they make all the difference in building the flavor profile.

A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for preparing the sauce and sausage. It ensures even cooking and allows you to mix everything together seamlessly.

How To Make This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Making creamy sausage rigatoni is delightfully simple, with just a few key steps to follow.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to help thicken the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Let it brown evenly, which will enhance the flavor of the dish. Once cooked through, remove the sausage and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, followed by the diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Return the sausage to the skillet, and toss everything together. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a creamy, comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

Storage Options

Creamy sausage rigatoni stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the skillet or microwave dish to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Heat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta or curdling the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze the dish, do so before adding the pasta. The sauce and sausage mixture will freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be.

For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables. The sauce pairs wonderfully with earthy, hearty flavors.

Prefer a lighter dish? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.

Add some greens for a pop of color and nutrition. Spinach, kale, or arugula can be stirred into the sauce at the end of cooking, wilting beautifully into the dish.

Want extra heat? Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or use all spicy sausage for a fiery kick.

Experiment with cheese. Pecorino Romano offers a saltier, tangier flavor that’s equally delicious as Parmesan.

No matter how you customize it, creamy sausage rigatoni is guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and time again – a comforting classic that never disappoints.

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