Creamy italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

History of Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

Pasta dishes with sausage have long been a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Rigatoni, with its ridges and tube shape, is perfect for holding onto creamy sauces and chunks of sausage. This dish is a modern take on those classic flavors, combining Italian sausage, pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Why Sausage Rigatoni Pasta?

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or even swap the type of pasta to suit your taste.

What is Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Made Of?

The dish is made with Italian sausage, rigatoni pasta, a creamy tomato sauce (often made with heavy cream or half-and-half), garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and filling meal.

What to Have with Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A side of garlic bread or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

Is Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Healthy?

It’s a rich and indulgent dish, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use turkey sausage, whole wheat rigatoni, and substitute half-and-half with a lighter cream or milk. Adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

• Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips

• For extra flavor, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a splash of pasta water.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or fusilli work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is this dish spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage will keep it mild, while spicy sausage will add heat.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to pasta dish!

The Best Creamy italian Sausage Rigatoni pasta

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When I think of comfort food, pasta always comes to mind. There’s something about a big bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta that just feels like a hug. This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is one of those dishes I’ve been making for years. It started as a simple weeknight dinner, but it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender rigatoni, and a rich, creamy sauce is hard to resist. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and I love how easy it is to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this pasta dish is sure to hit the spot.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

• Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

• Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Keyword italian Sausage Rigatoni pasta