Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni. This dish brings together the robust flavors of Italian sausage and creamy sauce enveloping every bite of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quintessential weeknight dinner that has that sumptuous, indulgent touch without requiring hours in the kitchen. I first encountered this recipe during a chilly autumn evening, and it’s become a staple since—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights when you just want something hearty and satisfying.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When you’re in search of an easy, delicious recipe, Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni hits all the right notes. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, making it a family favorite. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t want to compromise on flavor. The combination of Italian sausage and creamy sauce creates a satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

"This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food. So rich and flavorful—my kids devoured it!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a breeze. You’ll cook the rigatoni pasta first, then sauté the onion and sausage while the pasta is boiling. After that, it’s just a matter of mixing in the heavy cream and cheese before combining everything together. The entire process is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.

What you’ll need

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

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes: Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you’re watching your calorie intake, substitutions like half-and-half can work in place of heavy cream, though it may alter the richness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Rigatoni: Start by cooking the rigatoni according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly.
6. Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and mix until the pasta is well-coated.
7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, perhaps topped with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread is another fantastic side—who can resist dunking bread into that delicious sauce? For those looking to add an extra veggie boost, roasted or steamed broccoli works wonderfully.

Best Way to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

To keep your Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure to cook the rigatoni just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly once added to the sauce.
2. Herbs: Consider adding Italian herbs like basil or oregano to elevate flavors.
3. Cheese Options: For a twist, try mixing in some mozzarella with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy experience.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative! For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, swap the heavy cream for a blend of Greek yogurt and a splash of pasta water. Want to switch it up further? Incorporate spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Common Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce in advance and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dish, but the cream sauce might change texture upon reheating.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or a vegan cream alternative can work, though it will have a lighter flavor.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is sure to become a favorite—both for its taste and ease of preparation—making it a recipe worth keeping close at hand.

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting, creamy dish featuring Italian sausage and rigatoni pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly.
6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and mix until the pasta is well-coated.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Notes

Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. If watching calories, substitutes like half-and-half can work in place of heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: creamy, pasta, sausage, Italian, weeknight dinner, comfort food