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Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni: Your New Weeknight Favorite

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  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Easy dinners

Description

How to make Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with rich tomato sauce and tender pasta that your whole family will absolutely love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Base & Main Components:
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Seasonings & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Finishing & Toppings:
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

Notes

Cook rigatoni strictly al dente, draining immediately, to prevent mushy pasta and ensure perfect texture.

Store leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Easily substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or orecchiette; always cook your chosen pasta al dente.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a green salad.

Make the sausage and sauce 1-2 days ahead, storing separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten

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Find it online: https://www.tastecurious.com/easy-creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-your-new-weeknight-favorite/