If you’re looking for a dish that brings comforting richness and vibrant Italian flavors into one bowl, this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner. It’s a delightful symphony of perfectly al dente rigatoni enveloped in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce infused with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh herbs. Each bite offers a warm hug of silky sauce and hearty sausage that absolutely sings alongside the tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing friends for a casual gathering, this recipe hits all the satisfying notes you didn’t know you were craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe really comes down to fresh and simple ingredients that together create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role, from the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the creaminess of heavy cream that balances tangy tomatoes, while fresh basil adds a pop of color and brightness.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Choose rigatoni for its ridges that perfectly capture the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds bold, herby flavor and a meaty richness that makes the dish hearty.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing, bringing out the aroma of the garlic and onions.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a deep, fragrant warmth.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and color, balancing the creaminess nicely.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, luxurious texture in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note without overpowering the cream.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs like oregano and thyme to deepen the Italian flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle heat that brightens the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors together.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, amplifying the creamy umami goodness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds fresh herbal brightness, making the dish feel vibrant and lively.
- Optional: freshly chopped parsley for garnish: An extra touch of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the rigatoni until it’s al dente is crucial as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the sauce later on. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cooking it thoroughly until browned ensures you get that wonderful caramelized flavor that’s essential for a rich, savory sauce base.
Step 3: Remove Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Set the browned sausage aside but keep the flavorful drippings in the skillet. Into that skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sautéing these until the onion becomes translucent allows the flavors to build a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Add the canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it just to a gentle simmer. This combination brings a beautiful balance of acidity, creaminess, and herbaceous warmth.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld deliciously, making the sauce rich and irresistible.
Step 6: Toss the Rigatoni in the Sauce
Add the pasta directly into the skillet, tossing until every piece of rigatoni is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce. This ensures every bite delivers that perfect combination of texture and flavor harmony.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Basil
Finish off the dish by stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it melts smoothly, enriching the sauce with a savory depth. Then gently fold in the chopped fresh basil, adding a vibrant herbal pop that brightens the whole dish.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Your Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is now ready to enjoy hot, straight from the skillet, bursting with flavor and ready to comfort and satisfy.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top gives an inviting salty finish, while fresh basil or parsley leaves add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but make the dish look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread are perfect companions to sop up every bit of that luscious creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the rigatoni in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and sausage pieces. Alternatively, layering the pasta with the sauce in a baking dish and finishing it with a golden Parmesan crust under the broiler adds a wonderful texture twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy feast, pack any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor this comforting dish all over again.
Freezing
This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe also freezes nicely. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of cream sauce can change slightly after thawing, but reheating gently will help maintain its creaminess.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This helps restore that freshly made creaminess and keeps the rigatoni perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridges grab the sauce beautifully, penne, ziti, or even fusilli will work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms for a similar flavor and texture profile, adjusting seasonings to taste.
How spicy is this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine and finish cooking just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What’s the best way to store leftover pasta to maintain texture?
Store pasta and sauce together in an airtight container to keep the flavors melded, but reheat gently and add a bit of liquid to avoid dryness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend making this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe enough. It’s a wonderfully satisfying, heartwarming dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved classic in your kitchen, perfect for sharing those cozy meals with people you care about.
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with browned Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes for mild heat, this comforting meal comes together easily on the stovetop for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Optional Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Set Aside Sausage: Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Simmer Sauce with Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine, and let the sauce cook for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce creating a rich and cohesive texture.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the chopped fresh basil gently to infuse aromatic flavor.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Italian sausage rigatoni hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
