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.