Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
