Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Hearty sausage rigatoni emerges as a comforting classic that never disappoints hungry diners craving robust flavors.

Pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet satisfying meal.

Rich Italian sausage mingles beautifully with al dente rigatoni, creating a harmonious blend of textures and spices.

Robust herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this straightforward recipe that requires minimal preparation.

Fragrant and filling, this dish promises to become a quick favorite in your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soulful pasta creation.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Hearty And Satisfying

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty meal that comes together faster than traditional pasta dishes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying.
• Master Simple Cooking: No advanced culinary skills required – this recipe welcomes home cooks of all levels with straightforward steps and minimal ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Rich, creamy sauce combined with savory sausage creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap protein types, adjust spice levels, or add vegetables to personalize the recipe without compromising its delicious core elements.

Ingredients List To Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tube-shaped pasta that captures sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying texture.

• Sweet Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Salt: Helps to balance and highlight the other flavors in the recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, salty finish and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Stepwise Guide To Prepare Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in rigatoni and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it sizzles and browns. Watch for that beautiful golden color and crispy edges, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet with the browned sausage. Let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic and filling the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together, creating a silky smooth base. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, developing a rich, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the drained rigatoni to the creamy sausage mixture. Gently toss until every pasta tube is gloriously coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to reach the perfect creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight taste buds with every creamy, savory bite.

Helpful Tips To Nail Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help thicken and smooth out the sauce, creating a silkier texture for your rigatoni dish.
• Break sausage into smaller pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent large clumpy chunks in the final dish.
• Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, allowing for perfect coating of the rigatoni noodles.
• Toast minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils and prevent burning, which adds a rich, nutty undertone to the creamy sauce.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh over the dish just before serving to maximize its flavor and create a beautiful, melty finish.

Flavor Variations To Refresh Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the dish's essence.
• Spicy Chorizo Remix: Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds extra kick to the creamy sauce.
• Light Cream Alternative: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, less caloric version of the original recipe without sacrificing taste.

Pairing Suggestions To Complement Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, creamy sausage sauce with its bold flavor profile and balanced acidity.

Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast with peppery greens and tangy dressing.

Prepare crusty Italian bread toasted with garlic butter to soak up extra sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic notes that elevate the overall meal experience.

Choose a crisp white wine with subtle citrus undertones that balances the creamy pasta and provides a clean, refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage Advice To Preserve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces as they might separate.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through and sauce regains creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, either mild or spicy, as it provides rich flavor and blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.

• How can I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Use low to medium heat when simmering and stir continuously to maintain a smooth, consistent sauce texture throughout cooking.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! With basic ingredients like sausage, pasta, cream, and broth, this dish is economical and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic Italian sausage rigatoni blends hearty pasta with spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce. Savory flavors and robust ingredients promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta

Main Protein:

• 1 pound Italian sausage

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Set aside 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and crumble sausage, browning thoroughly while breaking into smaller pieces until no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring rapidly to release aromatic oils without burning, about 45-60 seconds.
4. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the meat mixture, whisking gently to create a harmonious sauce. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce, thickening slightly for 3-4 minutes.
5. Transfer drained rigatoni directly into the creamy sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure each pasta tube is luxuriously coated. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Plate immediately while piping hot, crowning the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for vibrant color and added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy sausage depending on personal preference.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni for dietary alternatives.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring perfect creamy consistency.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables into the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg