Description
This Creamy Rigatoni with Sausage is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal, ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream & cheese: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, then mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine & serve: Toss in cooked rigatoni, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fettuccine if preferred.
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian