Are you ready to impress your family with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about my Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni! This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for quick family dinners, this creamy pasta dish is one of my favorite easy pasta recipes that I whip up on busy weeknights. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor that satisfies every palate.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for 30-minute meals that don’t skimp on taste.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
- Can be customized with your favorite veggies or spices.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage (may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage)
- (2) 28-ounce cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried basil)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will become a family favorite:
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the diced onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sausage is cooking, fill a separate large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and then add the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them in a blender until smooth. Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Add the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta. If you prefer a less saucy dish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni turns out perfectly:
- For a little extra kick, feel free to add more red chili flakes!
- Using fresh herbs will elevate the flavor, but dried herbs work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Don’t skip the blending step for the tomatoes if you want a smoother sauce.
- Pair this dish with a refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve
This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- Top with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair with a light salad, like Cucumber Tomato Salad, to balance the richness of the pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni together! It’s sure to become one of your go-to dinner ideas pasta sausage recipes. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
Vegetables and Sausage
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lbs Italian Sausage may use 1 lb for less sausage
- 2 28-ounce cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 0.25 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and diced onion in olive oil until browned, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain.
- Add tomatoes to sausage mixture, blend if whole, then stir in herbs and seasonings. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmer for 5-7 minutes until creamy. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine pasta with sauce, simmer for additional 10 minutes if desired, then serve topped with remaining Parmesan and basil.