Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting dish that brings rich flavors and satisfying textures to your table. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Using simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and delivers a delightful meal that everyone will love. The combination of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and creamy sauce makes it a delicious option any night of the week.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage (may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage)
- (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
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the onion softens. Next, add the minced garlic and Italian sausage. Cook for another 7-8 minutes until the sausage starts to brown.
- Cook the Pasta: While you cook the sausage, fill another large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt, then add the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them until smooth. Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Mix in the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta well. If you want a less saucy dish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s a great option for family gatherings or any cozy occasion.
How to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
You can store leftover Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze it, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- For added richness, you can also stir in a bit of butter before serving.
- Always taste your sauce before serving to ensure the seasoning is right.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. For a lighter version, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, while rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
- Is this a good recipe for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store the cooked pasta and sauce separately until you’re ready to heat and serve.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Use plant-based sausage and replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative. You can also add more vegetables for added flavor.
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage
- (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
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and Italian sausage, cook for another 7-8 minutes until sausage starts to brown.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, then cook rigatoni according to package instructions (9-11 minutes for al dente).
- Add canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture, blend until smooth if using whole tomatoes. Stir in basil, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Boil and then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in heavy cream and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Drain rigatoni and add to the sauce, stirring to coat. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes if less saucy dish is desired.
- Plate the pasta, top with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg