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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy sausage rigatoni, ready in just 30 minutes for a delightful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Use mild or spicy based on your taste preference.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream If you're looking for a lighter version, half-and-half works too.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred; powdered garlic can be a suitable alternative at 1/8 tsp.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Substitute with Herbs de Provence if you can't find it.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Marinara can also be used for a hint of sweetness.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni You can switch to penne if you prefer.
For the Broth & Greens
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Feel free to swap with kale or arugula if that's what you have on hand.
For Seasoning
  • Salt Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of the sausage.
  • Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
  • Red Pepper Flakes Optional for a little kick if you like it spicy.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 1 pound of crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add 12 ounces of uncooked rigatoni, 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of tomato sauce into the skillet.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Add in 4 cups of fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Season with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To prevent sticking, stir often during cooking. Taste the sauce before serving for optimal flavor, and enjoy fresh for the best texture.

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