Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage, tomatoes, and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of pasta and creamy sauce creates a filling meal that pleases everyone at the table. Plus, it doesn’t take long to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
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
Directions
- 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!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Serve this dish hot, right after preparing. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top and add fresh basil for garnish. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove with a little extra cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- If you like a bit more spice, add extra red chili flakes.
- You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- For a veggie twist, add bell peppers or spinach to the sausage mixture.
Variation
You can change the pasta type for this recipe. Penne or farfalle also works well. Additionally, you can substitute the cream with a lower-fat milk for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?
YES, YOU CAN MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME. ONE OPTION IS TO PREPARE THE SAUCE FIRST AND STORE IT IN THE FRIDGE FOR UP TO 2–3 DAYS, THEN COOK THE PASTA FRESH WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SERVE. YOU CAN ALSO FULLY COOK THE PASTA AND SAUCE TOGETHER, LET IT COOL, AND REFRIGERATE. WHEN REHEATING, ADD A SPLASH OF CREAM, MILK, OR PASTA WATER TO LOOSEN THE SAUCE AND STIR WELL UNTIL HOT AND CREAMY AGAIN.
2. IS THIS RECIPE SUITABLE FOR FREEZING?
YES, THIS RECIPE IS SUITABLE FOR FREEZING, BUT THE TEXTURE IS BEST IF YOU FREEZE THE SAUCE SEPARATELY FROM THE PASTA. LET THE SAUCE COOL COMPLETELY, THEN TRANSFER IT TO A FREEZER-SAFE CONTAINER AND FREEZE FOR UP TO 2–3 MONTHS. IF YOU DO FREEZE THE PASTA AND SAUCE TOGETHER, SLIGHTLY UNDERCOOK THE PASTA SO IT DOESN’T BECOME TOO SOFT AFTER REHEATING. THAW OVERNIGHT IN THE FRIDGE AND REHEAT GENTLY ON THE STOVE WITH A LITTLE EXTRA CREAM OR WATER.
3. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH CREAMY ITALIAN SAUSAGE RIGATONI?
THIS DISH PAIRS BEAUTIFULLY WITH A SIMPLE GREEN SALAD, CAESAR SALAD, OR ROASTED VEGETABLES LIKE BROCCOLI, ASPARAGUS, OR ZUCCHINI. GARLIC BREAD OR WARM CRUSTY BREAD IS GREAT FOR SOAKING UP THE EXTRA SAUCE. YOU CAN ALSO ADD A LIGHT SIDE LIKE TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD TO BALANCE THE RICH, CREAMY PASTA.
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 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
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
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!