Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy sausage rigatoni to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender rigatoni pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, velvety sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something comforting yet quick. It was an instant hit with my family, and now it’s a regular on our dinner rotation. Let me share all the details so you can enjoy it too!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Get ready to embrace your new go-to dinner recipe. This creamy sausage rigatoni delivers everything you want in a weeknight meal.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table, perfect for busy evenings.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or whip up something hearty for your family, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion.

Budget-friendly ingredients make this recipe a win for your wallet. With items like sausage, rigatoni, and a simple cream sauce, you can create a luxurious meal without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the flavor! The creamy sauce, infused with the smoky, spicy kick of sausage, coats each piece of pasta for a taste that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy sausage rigatoni lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect dish.

Rigatoni pasta is the backbone of this recipe. Its tubular shape and ridges are ideal for holding the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring you get a delicious bite every time.

Sausage is the star protein. I recommend using Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. If you’re looking to lighten things up, turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully too.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for the sauce. For a slightly lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be less decadent.

Garlic and onion form the aromatic foundation. Their subtle sweetness balances the savory sausage and creamy sauce beautifully.

Parmesan cheese is the finishing touch that takes this dish over the top. Grate it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

You’ll also need olive oil, salt, and pepper. These pantry staples tie everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

No special equipment is required, just a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. Simple, right?

How To Make This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creating this creamy sausage rigatoni is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through the steps.

Start by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it just shy of al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. These aromatics create a delicious base for the sauce.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bite!

Storage Options

This creamy sausage rigatoni is just as good the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so add a splash of water or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. Stick to enjoying it fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!

For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Just note that the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Add vegetables to make it more colorful and nutritious. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers are excellent options that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

If you’re not a fan of rigatoni, try another pasta shape like penne or fusilli. These also hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

For an extra kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’s a great way to amp up the flavor if you love a little heat.

Finally, you can experiment with different cheeses. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are fantastic substitutes for Parmesan, offering their unique flavors to the dish.

No matter how you customize it, this creamy sausage rigatoni is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Print