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–+ servings
Merry

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – The Best 30-Minute Comfort Food

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. 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.
  3. Brown the Sausage
  4. 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.
  5. Sauté the Aromatics
  6. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  7. Prepare the Sauce
  8. 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.
  9. Combine with Sausage
  10. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  11. Toss the Pasta
  12. 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.
  13. Finish with Cheese and Basil
  14. 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.

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