Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Ingredients for Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta: The sturdy foundation for catching that rich, creamy sauce. Its ridges are essential for a perfect bite. Cook al dente.
• 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot: The star protein, infusing this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with savory depth. Brown well for flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing aromatics, building initial flavor layers. Use good extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base, mellowing as it cooks. Essential for depth of flavor. Dice finely for even cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent, aromatic warmth, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine. Don’t let it burn. Fresh garlic is best.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor, adding concentrated richness and umami. Sauté briefly to toast and enhance sweetness.
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy heart of the tomato sauce. High-quality San Marzano tomatoes provide superior flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds liquid and savory depth to the sauce, helping it simmer and meld. Use low-sodium broth.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: The key to achieving that luxurious, silky, creamy texture. Stir in gently at the end.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving): Adds salty, nutty umami and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated is essential for superior flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that captures classic Italian flavors. Adds aromatic complexity quickly. Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all other flavors and balancing the dish. Season gradually. Use kosher or sea salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Provides a subtle warmth and aromatic bite. Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor. Add to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick): Adds a gentle warmth or spicy kick, depending on your preference. Perfect for those who love heat.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. A lovely garnish for this creamy rigatoni.

How to Make Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Cook Sausage & Pasta:

Brown Italian sausage in olive oil until no pink remains, breaking it up. Drain excess fat. Simultaneously, cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. This forms the delicious base for your Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1 minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning.

Build Sauce:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it bubble for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish Sauce:

Stir in the heavy cream and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to emulsify into a rich, creamy sauce. Continue to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, perfecting your Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

Combine Pasta:

Drain the al dente rigatoni and add it directly to the pan with the creamy sausage sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency for the Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

Garnish & Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. This warm, comforting Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is perfect for a cozy family dinner tonight. Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Store Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

To store your Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out on the counter too long, a mistake I’ve made resulting in less-than-fresh pasta. Discard if you notice any sour smell or mold.

For make-ahead, prepare the sausage and sauce 1-2 days ahead, refrigerating them separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain its delicious consistency.

What to Serve with Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

To serve this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, simply spoon it warm into bowls, family-style. For a touch of elegance, garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan. It’s perfect when paired with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce, or a light, crisp green salad for balance. Enjoy this comforting dish!

Personally, I love to serve this rigatoni in a big, cozy bowl, ideally paired with a glass of robust red wine. It’s pure comfort food, allowing me to simply relax and truly enjoy every delicious bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I’ve left it longer, and it just doesn’t taste as fresh. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture.

→ Can I prepare or freeze Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni for later enjoyment?

Freezing isn’t ideal for the fully combined dish, as pasta can get mushy. However, you can make the sausage and sauce 1-2 days ahead, storing them separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

→ Can I substitute a different pasta shape for rigatoni in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even orecchiette work well. I’ve used penne when rigatoni was out, and it was still delicious. Just cook it al dente!

→ How do I prevent mushy pasta when making Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

The key is cooking your rigatoni strictly al dente, following package directions but checking often. My early attempts were mushy, a sad experience. Drain it immediately and add to the sauce to finish cooking slightly, not overcook.

→ Can I make this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or other pasta shape. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free for peace of mind.