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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting pasta dish made with rigatoni tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce packed with savory Italian sausage, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like restaurant-quality.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until fragrant and onion is soft.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
  7. Return rigatoni to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

  • Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli based on preference.
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
  • Use spicy sausage and more red pepper flakes for added heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni/