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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 64 reviews

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a luscious cream sauce with browned Italian sausage, savory herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners when you want a delicious, hearty meal that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta

Protein & Fat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
  2. Brown the Italian Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, releasing a savory aroma.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and sausage mixture, ensuring every piece is well-covered.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for a flavorful and visually appealing presentation.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Adding fresh spinach or kale to the sauce just before serving boosts nutrients and adds vibrant color.
  • Salting the pasta water enhances the rigatoni’s flavor significantly.
  • Do not rush browning the sausage, as it adds essential depth to the dish.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for a flavor twist.

Keywords: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, creamy pasta recipe, Italian sausage pasta, quick dinner, easy stovetop pasta, comfort food pasta

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