Description
A comforting and indulgent pasta dish, creamy sausage rigatoni combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and savory sausage. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with Sausage
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss the Pasta
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- To make this dish healthier, use whole-grain rigatoni and turkey sausage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Experiment with cheeses like Pecorino Romano or ricotta for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian