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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting pasta dish combining perfectly cooked rigatoni with a rich, creamy sauce made from Italian sausage, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of savory herbs and spices. This quick and easy recipe delivers gourmet flavors in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
  2. Brown the Italian Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes, releasing delicious aromas.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water until reaching a smooth consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce, ensuring every piece is well covered.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
  • Incorporate fresh spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrients and vibrant color.
  • Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
  • Take care to brown the sausage well to deepen the dish’s flavor profile.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

Keywords: Italian sausage rigatoni, creamy pasta, sausage pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner, creamy rigatoni, weeknight pasta dish, sausage pasta

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-recipe-2/