Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
The Comfort Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ever tasted something so creamy and comforting that it makes you want to curl up on the couch? Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is that dish! It’s quick, requires just one pot, and brings all the delightful flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. Trust me, this pasta will have your taste buds doing a happy dance, and it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and easy? Here are a few reasons to whip up this masterpiece:
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means you have more time to binge-watch your favorite show. Win-win!
- Family-Friendly: Picky eaters? Not a problem! The creamy goodness of this dish tends to silence the “yuck” factor.
- Budget-Friendly: With ingredients you likely already have, this meal won’t break the bank!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage (may use 1 lb. for a lighter dish)
- (2) 28-ounce cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried basil)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Directions
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to bring this dish to life in just a few easy steps:
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for another 7-8 minutes until browned.
Cook the Pasta: While your sausage is doing its thing, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Salt that water generously, then add the rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions (usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente).
Prepare the Sauce: Once the sausage is cooked, add the canned tomatoes. If you’re using whole tomatoes, give them a whirl in the blender until smooth. Stir in the basil, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let it simmer on medium-low heat for another 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat every nook and cranny. If you want it less saucy, simmer the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni (Overview)
Time to break down the process! You’ll sauté your sausage and veggies first, creating a flavorful base. While that bubbles away, the pasta cooks separately, waiting patiently for its creamy counterpart. The sauce is a simple blend of tomatoes and herbs, topped with heavy cream and Parmesan for that ooey-gooey satisfaction. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
This dish is a total showstopper on its own, but you can make it even more delightful. Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a dash of extra Parmesan. The vibrant red of the sauce against the golden cheese will catch anyone’s eye. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. Your dinner table will transform into a cozy Italian trattoria! 🌿🍝
How to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Cooked this dish for a crowd? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Here are a few insider tricks to keep your rigatoni perfect:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente! It’ll absorb the sauce without getting mushy.
- Mix and match herbs: Run out of fresh herbs? Dried ones still pack a punch.
- Add a splash of freshness: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here are some easy tweaks:
- Go Veggie: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a plant-based meal.
- Spice it Up: Add in diced jalapeños or switch to spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Creamy Vegan Twist: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast to achieve a luscious, creamy vegan version.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Any hearty pasta will do, like penne or fusilli.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance; just cook the pasta the day you serve it.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but keep in mind the cream might change texture slightly when reheated.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
