Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting and delicious pasta dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and savory sausage, this meal is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

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. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: 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 an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Always salt your pasta water to enhance the flavor of the rigatoni.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add fresh spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
• Try swapping Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a cheesier experience.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free rigatoni pasta.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the rigatoni separately in advance. Store them in the fridge and combine, reheating the sauce and tossing in the pasta when ready to serve. Add reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works well for a lighter option, and whole milk can be used though the sauce will be less rich. For dairy-free alternatives, try coconut cream or a cashew cream blend.

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 239 reviews

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with Italian sausage, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, this hearty meal is perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike, offering a gourmet touch with simple ingredients and a luscious sauce that coats every bite.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce & Sausage

• 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

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 the 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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: 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), cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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 melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well covered.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Best enjoyed hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Add fresh spinach or kale just before serving for added nutrients and color.
• Always salt your pasta water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
• Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• Don’t rush browning the sausage, as it adds depth to the flavor.
• Try fresh herbs like basil or thyme for flavor variations.

Keywords: creamy Italian sausage rigatoni, pasta recipe, Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta sauce, easy dinner recipe