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Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

4.7 from 135 reviews

Savor a creamy and hearty Sausage Rigatoni featuring tender rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich tomato and cream sauce with Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until golden and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Make Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy sausage rigatoni.

Notes

  • For a spicier variation, use spicy Italian sausage.
  • Reserve pasta water is useful for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.

Keywords: Sausage Rigatoni, Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, Italian recipe