Hearty Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe That Warms the Soul
Comfort arrives in a steaming plate of creamy sausage rigatoni that promises pure culinary bliss.
Rich Italian sausage mingles with perfectly cooked pasta shells in a luxurious sauce.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of hearty flavors and silky textures.
The recipe combines simple ingredients with professional cooking techniques that elevate home dining.
Robust seasonings dance through the creamy sauce, creating a memorable meal.
Dinner becomes an effortless celebration of classic comfort food.
You’ll savor every forkful of this irresistible pasta dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Highlights
What’s Needed for Sausage Rigatoni
Main Ingredients:Aromatics and Seasonings:Finishing Ingredients:Whipping Up Creamy Rigatoni
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Cook rigatoni in salted water following package directions until perfectly tender.
Drain and set pasta aside in a colander.
Step 2: Brown Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Crumble sausage into the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add to the skillet:Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Create Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour into the skillet:Stir ingredients together and allow sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss until pasta is completely coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Great Tricks for Creamy Rigatoni Pasta
Flavorful Rigatoni Variations to Explore
How to Serve Sausage Rigatoni
Leftover Rigatoni Storage Solutions
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or mostaccioli. These pasta shapes have similar tube-like structures that hold the creamy sauce well.
Italian sausage is recommended, but you can use mild or spicy varieties depending on your preference. Ground pork sausage also works great.
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Add an extra splash of heavy cream or stir in some cream cheese to increase the richness and thickness of the sauce.
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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hearty Italian cuisine reaches new heights with this creamy sausage rigatoni, where robust flavors dance through al dente pasta. Rich tomato sauce and tender sausage create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
Proteins and Aromatics:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender yet firm.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, then crumble sausage and sauté until golden brown and crispy.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, followed by rich heavy cream and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious sauce that will simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold the cooked rigatoni into the creamy tomato mixture, ensuring each pasta tube is lavishly coated with the robust sauce.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring thoroughly to enhance the sauce’s complexity and create a velvety texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Garnish with vibrant chopped parsley for a fresh finish, then serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the rich, creamy flavor.
- Remove casings from sausage and break into smaller pieces for more even distribution and better sauce integration throughout the dish.
- Keep the sauce simmering on low heat to prevent cream from separating and maintain a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Try different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the core recipe structure intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.