Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta; 1 lb Italian Sausage (mild or spicy, your choice); 1 medium Onion (diced); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 can Diced Tomatoes ((14.5 oz), undrained); 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated); 1 tsp Italian Seasoning; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; as needed Olive Oil (for cooking); for garnish Fresh Basil (optional)

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

July 3, 2025

Dinner

Welcome to your new favorite dinner solution, the Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe! If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious pasta dish that won’t take hours to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni pasta, making it a family-friendly option that even picky eaters will love. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s simple enough for novice cooks to master while offering enough flair to satisfy seasoned chefs.

Let’s dive into why this creamy pasta is not just a meal but an experience worth savoring. With its robust flavors and creamy texture, this dish is a delightful choice for any occasion. Made with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe. Here are just a few:

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost.
Rich and Satisfying: The creamy sauce, made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, envelops the rigatoni and sausage, creating a comforting meal that fills you up and warms your soul.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta dish stores well, so you can easily make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for lunch or quick dinners.
Kid-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s a surefire hit with kids, making mealtime a breeze.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying new recipes can be a fun adventure, and this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is a great one to start with. Here are compelling reasons to give it a go:

Rich Culinary Tradition: Italian cuisine is loved around the world for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. By preparing this dish, you’re not just making dinner; you’re embracing a culinary tradition that celebrates family, food, and togetherness.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish, combined with fresh basil leaves as a garnish, make it visually appealing. Your family and guests will be impressed with your culinary skills, even though it’s a simple recipe!
Affordable Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily accessible at your local grocery store. You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a gourmet meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and Parmesan creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Each bite is a delightful experience.
Great for Entertaining: If you’re hosting friends or family, this dish is easily scalable to feed a crowd. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make the perfect Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Olive oil

Necessary Utensils:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Large skillet for cooking the sausage and sauce
Wooden spoon for stirring
Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving dish or bowls for plating

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps to make this delicious Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside.
Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir often for even cooking. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your sauce.
Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well to create a creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients and let simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce. Ensure that every piece of pasta is covered in that delightful sauce.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and well combined. The cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Serve: Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious alternative.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What can I serve with creamy sausage rigatoni?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings joy to the dinner table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give it a try? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with others who might enjoy it. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe section or explore some of our favorites like Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken. Don’t forget to save and share this recipe on Pinterest!