Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)

Looking for a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that’s quick to make and easy to clean up? This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made in one pan and ready in just 30 minutes, it features savory Italian sausage, tender rigatoni, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce with wilted spinach. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup!
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes.
Family Favorite – Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Customizable – Make it spicy, cheesy, or vegetarian!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil – Keeps sausage from sticking and adds flavor
15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled) – Sweet or spicy, your choice
8 oz rigatoni (uncooked) – Holds sauce beautifully
1 cup chicken broth – Helps cook the pasta and builds flavor
1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy
4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence – Classic herb flavor
15 oz tomato sauce – Use a quality marinara or plain sauce
5 oz fresh spinach – Adds freshness and color
Salt & black pepper – Season to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

1. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add Core Ingredients
To the same skillet, stir in the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix until pasta is fully coated.

3. Cook the Pasta
Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be al dente and the sauce thickened.

4. Wilt the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, or cover the skillet off the heat for 4 minutes to let it soften naturally.

5. Final Touches
Adjust consistency if needed—simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm!

Tips & Variations

Cheesier Option: Stir in grated Parmesan before serving.
Need a Swap? Use penne or ziti instead of rigatoni.
Want it Spicy? Choose hot Italian sausage and more red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Version: Sub in sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Thicker Sauce: Reduce broth slightly or simmer uncovered longer.

What to Serve With It

Salad: Caesar or lemon-dressed arugula
Bread: Crusty garlic bread or focaccia
Wine: A bold red like Chianti or Pinot Noir

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hits all the right notes—savory, rich, comforting, and incredibly easy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this one-pan pasta is sure to satisfy.