If you are craving a comforting, rich meal that brings together the best of Italian flavors in one delightful bowl, this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender rigatoni pasta with a luscious, velvety sauce made from Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream, creating a perfect balance of savoriness and creaminess. This dish is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat to share with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish, and luckily, they are all accessible and contribute wonderfully to the final flavor and texture of the recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the silky creaminess of heavy cream that makes the sauce so irresistible.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ridges and tube shape hold the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- Italian sausage: Adds bold, herby flavor and hearty texture; be sure to remove the casing for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and soften the onions with a light fruity note.
- Onion: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
- Crushed tomatoes: Gives the sauce a rich, tangy base.
- Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a luscious, creamy indulgence.
- Chicken broth: Helps thin and flavor the sauce without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the sausage and tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that enlivens the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra richness and a nutty finish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Provides a fresh, fragrant garnish that brightens the plate.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by boiling the rigatoni pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture—that perfect balance between tender and firm. This foundation is key because it ensures the pasta holds up nicely once coated in that delicious creamy sauce later on. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to stay warm.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with your spatula, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial as browning deepens the flavor and adds a wonderful savory umami element that makes the dish so irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the browned sausage. Cooking them until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its rich aroma creates the flavor base that makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe stand out with its hearty yet balanced taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to add a touch of herbal fragrance and heat. Season everything with salt and pepper, then let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. This gentle simmer melds the ingredients into a harmonious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of rigatoni.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part—add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with your creamy sausage sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta, ensuring each rigatoni tube is generously slathered in that decadent sauce.
Step 6: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts completely. This step enriches the sauce even further, providing a cheesy, smooth finish that makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe downright addictive.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Basil
Finally, plate your creation and top it with fresh basil leaves. The bright, slightly sweet herbaceous notes add a breath of fresh air that perfectly contrast the creamy dish.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic garnish that provides a pop of color and refreshing flavor. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little more kick. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a glossy finish and an aromatic boost.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, present the rigatoni in a large shallow bowl sprinkled with fresh herbs ready for everyone to dig in. You can also serve individual portions garnished with extra Parmesan and basil for a more formal feel. Adding a colorful side of roasted vegetables gives a balanced, visually stunning plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain the freshness and prevent the sauce from absorbing any other odors.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but since the dish contains cream, it’s best to freeze it without the cream, if possible, or freeze a smaller portion. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back its silky consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridges and tubular shape are perfect for holding the creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s cousin, cavatappi, work wonderfully as well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a meat-free but still flavorful alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust their amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. The sausage itself usually has some spice as well, depending on the brand.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and refrigerate the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving for best results. This makes weeknight dinners much easier to manage.
What wine pairs well with this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese works beautifully, as their acidity complements the richness of the creamy sauce while enhancing the Italian sausage’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with something scrumptious and cozy, do not hesitate to try this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, incredibly satisfying and perfect for sharing. Once you taste this creamy, flavorful pasta, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni featuring al dente pasta coated in a luscious sauce made from browned Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a classic Italian flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 400 g rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 500 g Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to taste.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.
- If preferred, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to pork Italian sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic can add depth to the sauce’s flavor.
