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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Imagine the perfect weeknight meal—a hearty, creamy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. That’s precisely what this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni delivers. Packed with robust flavors of Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and velvety heavy cream, this recipe is a quick fix that feels like a luxurious indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this one-pan dish will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

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Indulge in creamy, savory perfection with every bite of this Sausage Rigatoni—comfort food at its best! 🍝✨ #CreamyGoodness #SausageLovers #PastaPerfection #ComfortFood #WeeknightDinner #ItalianFlavors #SavoryBites #RichAndCreamy #PastaCravings #DinnerDelight

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick during cooking.
  • 15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled) – Choose sweet or spicy, depending on your preference.
  • 8 oz rigatoni (uncooked) – The tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • 1 cup chicken broth – Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – For that luscious, creamy texture.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Aromatic and essential for building flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence – Brings in classic Italian herbaceous notes.
  • 15 oz tomato sauce – Tomato pasta sauce or marinara works well.
  • 5 oz fresh spinach – Adds a pop of color and a healthy touch.
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper – To season to taste.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick.

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease or liquid to prevent the sauce from becoming overly oily.

2. Combine Key Ingredients

To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly.

3. Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rigatoni cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The pasta should achieve an “al dente” texture, absorbing the flavors of the creamy tomato sauce.

4. Incorporate Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Alternatively, remove the skillet from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.

5. Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the dish to cook uncovered for a couple of additional minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

6. Season and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Use your judgment with the salt—Italian sausage can be salty enough on its own.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: While rigatoni is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute penne or ziti if needed. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as well.
  • Customizing Heat: If you love spicy food, opt for hot Italian sausage and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick to sweet Italian sausage.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  • Make It Cheesier: Add a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving for an extra layer of richness.
  • Thicker Sauce: To achieve a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

This dish has everything going for it:

  • One-Pan Efficiency: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal. Everything cooks in one skillet, from the sausage to the rigatoni and sauce.
  • Comfort Meets Sophistication: The creamy tomato base and Italian sausage give the dish a rustic yet upscale flavor profile reminiscent of fine Italian dining.
  • Customizable Ingredients: With common pantry staples and the option to tweak flavors to your liking, it’s both accessible and adaptable.
  • Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta is a hit with all ages.

Let’s dive into the details of how you can whip up this cozy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious rigatoni:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick during cooking.
  • 15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled) – Choose sweet or spicy, depending on your preference.
  • 8 oz rigatoni (uncooked) – The tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • 1 cup chicken broth – Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – For that luscious, creamy texture.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Aromatic and essential for building flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence – Brings in classic Italian herbaceous notes.
  • 15 oz tomato sauce – Tomato pasta sauce or marinara works well.
  • 5 oz fresh spinach – Adds a pop of color and a healthy touch.
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper – To season to taste.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease or liquid to prevent the sauce from becoming overly oily.

2. Combine Key Ingredients

To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly.

3. Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rigatoni cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The pasta should achieve an “al dente” texture, absorbing the flavors of the creamy tomato sauce.

4. Incorporate Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Alternatively, remove the skillet from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.

5. Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the dish to cook uncovered for a couple of additional minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

6. Season and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Use your judgment with the salt—Italian sausage can be salty enough on its own.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

  • The sausage is savory, with bursts of aromatic spices that permeate the sauce.
  • The rigatoni is tender yet firm, its ridges capturing every drop of the creamy tomato sauce.
  • The sauce itself is velvety and rich, with a balanced tang from the tomato sauce and the luxurious creaminess of heavy cream.
  • Fresh spinach adds a slight earthiness and a vibrant green color that complements the dish’s warm, reddish hue.

The aroma wafting from the skillet is pure comfort—a mingling of garlic, herbs, and the unmistakable essence of simmering tomato and cream.

Tips for Success

  1. Pasta Choice: While rigatoni is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute penne or ziti if needed. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as well.
  2. Customizing Heat: If you love spicy food, opt for hot Italian sausage and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick to sweet Italian sausage.
  3. Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  4. Make It Cheesier: Add a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving for an extra layer of richness.
  5. Thicker Sauce: To achieve a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Salad: Pair the rigatoni with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and Parmesan salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
  • Bread for Dipping: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
  • Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Chianti or a fruity Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully.
  • Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni ticks all the boxes for a weeknight meal. It’s quick, satisfying, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant. The one-pan preparation makes cleanup a breeze, and the bold flavors ensure it’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

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