Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
A comforting dish featuring the rich flavors of sausage, tomatoes, and creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
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!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat using the microwave or heat on the stove with a little extra cream or water to loosen the sauce.