You know that feeling when you walk into a family gathering, and the aroma of something delicious wraps around you like a warm hug? That’s exactly how I feel when creamy sausage rigatoni is on the menu! This dish has been a staple at our family dinners for as long as I can remember. The rich, savory flavors of the sausage combined with the creamy sauce create the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or when I want to impress friends with something delicious yet easy to make. Trust me, once you try this creamy sausage rigatoni, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta – This hearty pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully!
- 1 lb Italian sausage – Choose your favorite, whether it’s sweet or spicy, to add that savory punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce rich and indulgent!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – For a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – To sauté the veggies and sausage.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always season to bring out those flavors!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – A pop of color and freshness to finish it off.
How to Prepare Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Start by cooking the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water generously—it really enhances the pasta’s flavor! Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not smoking!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Wow, the aroma will get your taste buds dancing!
- Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want those crispy bits for extra flavor!
- Once the sausage is nicely browned, pour in the heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine everything. The magic happens here as it starts to thicken!
- Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Don’t you just love that creamy goodness?
- Finally, toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and stir gently to coat every piece in that dreamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that lovely touch. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully for that comforting bite.
- Flexibility to customize with your favorite sausage or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- One skillet means less cleanup—yay for easy cooking!
- A surefire crowd-pleaser that family and friends will rave about!
- It’s Italian comfort food at its finest, sure to warm your heart and soul.
Tips for Success with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
To make sure your creamy sausage rigatoni turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, when cooking the sausage, don’t rush it—let it brown nicely for that delicious depth of flavor. If you want an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of pasta water when you mix in the rigatoni; it’ll help everything cling together beautifully. And don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper will elevate the flavors. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional information for this creamy sausage rigatoni can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The values provided are approximate and meant for general guidance. Always consider your personal dietary needs when enjoying this delicious dish!
FAQ about Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
How long does it take to make creamy sausage rigatoni? You can whip up this dish in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights!
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey sausage for a lighter version or even a plant-based sausage if you want to keep it meat-free.
What can I serve with this dish? It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and just toss it with the pasta right before serving.
How can I make it spicier? If you’re a fan of heat, simply choose spicy Italian sausage or add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
Print
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: 7 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy sausage rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish made with rich sauce and savory sausage.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sauce, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for a kick.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy sausage rigatoni, pasta, Italian dish, comfort food