Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick and delicious meal you can prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Featuring Italian sausage, a rich tomato-based sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta, this dish brings a comforting Italian touch to your dinner table with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s perfect for serving family and friends or for enjoying as a special treat for yourself!

Why This Recipe Works

Made with simple ingredients, this one-pan pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The secret to its quick preparation lies in cooking everything in one pan on the stovetop, including crumbled Italian sausage, tomato sauce, garlic, and rigatoni. The creamy sauce adheres to the ridges of the rigatoni, creating a deliciously hearty dish with a beautiful presentation. Plus, it’s ready in no time—just 30 minutes from start to finish!

What You’ll Need

Rigatoni: This traditional tube-shaped pasta is perfect for thick sauces, making it the ideal choice for a rich, creamy sauce like the one in this dish. If you don’t have rigatoni, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
Italian Sausage: You can use mild or spicy crumbled Italian sausage for this dish. If you prefer, you can also use chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: A blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce creates a creamy and flavorful base. Add garlic and Italian seasoning for that classic Italian taste.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain any excess grease or liquid.
Add the Other Ingredients: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the cooked sausage. Stir to combine.
Combine with Pasta and Sauce: Add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach, cooking for a few more minutes until it wilts. If you prefer, you can remove the skillet from heat and allow the spinach to wilt in the residual heat for about 4 minutes.
Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir everything well and serve!

Variations and Substitutions

Sausage Options: You can swap the Italian sausage for smoked sausage, andouille sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. Adjust the spiciness based on your preference!
Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
Pasta: If you don’t have rigatoni, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli will work. The ridges on the pasta help the creamy sauce cling to every bite.
Sauce Variations: Swap the tomato sauce with marinara, arrabbiata, or roasted tomato sauce for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips

Use the Right Pan: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best to prevent the sauce and pasta from sticking.
Add Red Wine: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of dry red wine to the sauce as it simmers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Toppings: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

What to Serve with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Bread: Pair this creamy pasta with warm Italian bread, garlic bread, or sourdough. It’s perfect for dipping into the rich tomato sauce.
Salad: A light salad, such as a spinach or arugula salad with toasted nuts and a tangy vinaigrette, complements the rich pasta perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

While the creamy sauce may not reheat perfectly, you can still enjoy leftovers:

Fridge: Store leftover sausage rigatoni in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Microwave for 30 seconds, stirring, and repeat until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a special meal, this pasta will not disappoint!