Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich and velvety sauce made from Italian sausage, garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This ultimate recipe brings together bold flavors and a creamy texture, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner that satisfies and delights.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce consistency.
- Season and serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage to suit your dietary preference.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
