This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender rigatoni pasta wraps around a rich, creamy sauce filled with juicy Italian sausage and a touch of garlic. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Everyone loves this rich sausage pasta dish.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta : holds the sauce beautifully
- Italian sausage : adds rich, savory flavor
- Heavy cream : creates the creamy sauce
- Parmesan cheese : gives a salty, nutty touch
- Garlic : builds deep flavor in the sauce
- Tomato paste : adds a zesty base
- Olive oil : helps brown the sausage
- Salt and black pepper : balance the flavors
- Fresh basil : gives a bright and fresh finish
Step by Step Instructions
- Boil the rigatoni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let it simmer until thickened.
- Mix in cooked rigatoni pasta and toss until coated with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped basil before serving warm.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe, avoid these simple mistakes for perfect results.
- Do not overcook the rigatoni pasta. It should stay slightly firm so it holds the sauce.
- Avoid skipping the tomato paste. It gives depth and a lovely zesty flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Try serving it alongside our chicken cordon bleu casserole for a creamy dinner duo. For a comforting southern twist, serve it with country fried chicken. Or keep things hearty and pair it with easy ground beef dinner for a full pasta night spread.
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Boil the rigatoni pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let it simmer until thickened.
- Mix in cooked rigatoni pasta and toss until coated with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped basil before serving warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works perfectly for this recipe. It gives the same savory flavor but with less fat. Just make sure to season it well and brown it properly before adding the creamy sauce. This small change keeps the dish light but still rich in taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead, then store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and stir in freshly cooked rigatoni pasta. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers make great additions. They blend nicely with the creamy sauce and Italian sausage. Simply stir them in before adding the pasta, allowing everything to cook together for a few minutes to soak up the flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is warm, rich, and full of flavor. It’s one of those rigatoni recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Save or pin this easy dish so you can enjoy its creamy goodness any time your family craves a comforting bowl of pasta.
