If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting, this Italian Sausage Rigatoni is the answer! With savory sausage, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough for special occasions.

The hearty pasta holds up beautifully to the rich sauce, while fresh basil, oregano, and Parmesan tie everything together. Every bite is satisfying and full of flavor, making this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Easy & One-Pot Friendly – The sauce comes together in the same pot as the sausage, making cleanup a breeze.
✨ Comfort Food with Flair – A rich, creamy tomato base paired with sausage and pasta is the ultimate cozy dinner.
✨ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults will love the creamy sauce and cheesy finish.
✨ Versatile – Swap the sausage, adjust the spice, or make it lighter with simple substitutions.

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Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage (use 1 lb if you prefer less)
• 2 (28 oz) cans whole or crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
• ¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta

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Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage & Veggies
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 7–8 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and sausage, cooking another 7–8 minutes until browned.
2. Cook the Pasta
   While the sausage cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook 9–11 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   Stir tomatoes into the sausage mixture (blend whole tomatoes first if smoother sauce is desired). Add basil, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
4. Make It Creamy
   Stir in heavy cream and 1 cup Parmesan. Simmer 5–7 minutes on medium-low, until flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce
   Add rigatoni to the sauce and stir to coat. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer an extra 5–10 minutes.
6. Serve
   Plate, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately with garlic bread and salad.

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Pro Tips

✔️ Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
✔️ Let the sauce simmer longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
✔️ Always salt your pasta water—it seasons the pasta from the inside out.

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Variations

• Lighter Version: Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and omit Parmesan.
• Vegan: Try plant-based sausage, cream, and cheese alternatives.
• Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

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Serving Ideas

Pair this creamy rigatoni with:
🥖 Garlic bread for dipping.
🥗 A crisp green salad to balance richness.
🍷 A glass of red wine for an elevated dinner.

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Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 65g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1050mg

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This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy comfort. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a dinner with guests, it’s a pasta recipe you’ll want to make again and again!