Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a bowl of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. This recipe combines tender rigatoni pasta, juicy sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day, or when you’re hosting friends and want to serve up something special yet easy to make.

In this version, we’re going to elevate the classic creamy sausage pasta by adding fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, which bring color, flavor, and a touch of brightness to the rich cream sauce. With just the right balance of savory sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy goodness, this dish is bound to be a new favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a make-ahead option for meal prep, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni checks all the boxes. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The sauce is made with cream and cheese, making it irresistibly creamy and full of flavor.
2. Juicy Sausage: The sausage adds a savory depth of flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
3. Healthy Spinach and Tomatoes: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add brightness and freshness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream.
4. Easy and Quick to Make: This pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
5. Customizable: You can easily swap the sausage for chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative, and you can even add different veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Serving Size: 1 plate

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Carbs: 42g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta

1. Boil the Water:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. It’s essential to salt your pasta water generously, as it adds flavor to the pasta.

2. Cook the Rigatoni:

Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes.

3. Drain the Pasta:

Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside. The reserved pasta water can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat the Olive Oil:

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the Sausage:

Add the Italian sausage to the pan. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. The sausage should be nicely caramelized for maximum flavor.

3. Remove and Set Aside:

Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving the fat and juices in the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:

Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices. This will add a slight sweetness and acidity to the sauce.

3. Add the Chicken Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Pour in the Cream:

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the Spinach and Sausage:

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cooked sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

2. Add the Parmesan and Seasonings:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Add the Cooked Pasta:

Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Warm:

Transfer the creamy sausage rigatoni to serving plates or bowls.

2. Garnish:

Top with chopped fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a few cracks of black pepper.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh while it’s warm and the sauce is creamy. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni as the star of the meal, paired with a side salad or garlic bread.
• With a Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps to balance the richness of the pasta.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pasta with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure the rigatoni is cooked al dente (firm to the bite) so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
2. Don’t Overcook the Sausage: The sausage should be browned and caramelized but not overcooked. This helps it retain its juiciness and flavor.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add a bright contrast to the creamy sauce. You can use baby spinach for its tender texture and mild flavor.
4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy pasta water helps to make the sauce cling to the rigatoni better.
5. Choose the Right Cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Recipe Variations

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Spicy Sausage Rigatoni:

Use spicy Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also stir in some sriracha or hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.

2. Chicken and Spinach Rigatoni:

Swap the sausage for diced chicken breast or ground chicken. Sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

3. Vegetarian Rigatoni:

For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

4. Rigatoni with Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Replace the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and intense flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add a bit of chewiness and a concentrated tomato taste that complements the creamy sauce.

5. Creamy Sausage and Broccoli Rigatoni:

Add steamed broccoli florets to the dish along with the spinach. This adds extra texture and nutrition to the meal.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

Freezing:

You can freeze this pasta dish, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop with a little cream or broth.

Special Equipment

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: To cook the rigatoni.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the sausage and making the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the sausage and stirring the sauce.
• Tongs: For tossing the pasta in the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or cavatappi. The sauce clings well to ridged pasta shapes.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking requirements.

3. Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy cream provides the richest, creamiest texture, but you can also use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick with lower-fat options.

4. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

To prevent the sauce from separating, keep the heat low when adding the cream, and don’t let the sauce come to a rolling boil. Stir continuously to help the cream blend smoothly with the broth and cheese.

5. Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish and add extra nutrition.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. With tender rigatoni, juicy sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s a dish that will make everyone at the table happy. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with layers of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner party, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and protein to make it your own, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and extra cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

Enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

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