Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled; 8 oz rigatoni, uncooked; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence); 15 oz tomato sauce (pasta sauce or marinara); 5 oz fresh spinach; Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni embodies everything one could desire in a comfort dish. There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that not only simplifies cooking but also packs in a ton of flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re racing home after a long day at work or planning a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds without overwhelming your schedule. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll find it creeping into your regular meal rotation.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni isn’t just another weeknight pasta dish; it’s a game-changer! The beauty of it lies in its straightforward preparation, requiring just one pan and minimal cleanup—a blessing for busy cooks. You’ll love how the creamy chicken broth melds with hearty Italian sausage and fresh spinach, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for everyone around the table. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to whip up a meal that feels indulgent yet is deceptively simple to make.

"I whipped this up for dinner last night, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s creamy, has a hearty kick from the sausage, and is so quick to prepare!"

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is as easy as it gets! You’ll love how each step flows into the next. Here’s a quick rundown: You’ll start by cooking the sausage, then add in the pasta and other ingredients, let it simmer, and finish with fresh spinach. It’s a straightforward process that makes cooking feel effortless and enjoyable.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
15 oz tomato sauce (pasta sauce or marinara)
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste

Feel free to adjust based on your preferences—using turkey sausage or swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter option can easily tailor the dish to your needs!

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Step-by-Step Directions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet.
Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up, until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
To the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
Bring to a boil, stirring well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
Incorporate the spinach and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.
Optional: Remove from heat, top with spinach, cover, and let it wilt in the residual heat for about 4 minutes. Stir to combine, and cook a bit longer for a thicker sauce if desired.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Tips for Serving

Serving this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is all about enhancing that comforting vibe. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the dish, while a side of crusty garlic bread offers an irresistible crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, throw together a fresh side salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

Best Way to Store Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Storing your leftovers is simple! Allow any uneaten rigatoni to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly and stir well to maintain that creamy texture.

Helpful Hints

Here are some pro tips to maximize your creamy rigatoni experience:

Texture Tweaks: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The cream will reduce, creating a richer consistency.
Ingredient Swaps: Try replacing the sausage with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version or add a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness at the end, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Switch up the dish by incorporating different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. A sprinkle of feta on top can introduce a tangy twist that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a kick, don’t hesitate to spice things up with more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this dish?
Prep time is minimal—around 5-10 minutes. The cooking time is about 20 minutes, making this a quick meal overall.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

How can I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If using the stove, splash in a little broth or cream to keep it moist.

Can I customize the sausage type?
Definitely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or go meatless with plant-based sausages.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this creamy, delightful one-pan meal!