If you’re craving a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food with bold flavors and a luscious, velvety sauce, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is going to steal your heart (and taste buds!) right away. Combining perfectly al dente rigatoni pasta with savory Italian sausage and a dreamy, cheesy tomato cream sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet pack such a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role—from the hearty rigatoni that holds onto the sauce beautifully, to the bold Italian sausage infusing the dish with richness, right through to the fresh herbs adding the perfect finishing touch.
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta: The ridged shape is perfect for capturing all that creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Provides rich, savory flavor and a wonderful meaty texture.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and softens to melt into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of aromatic depth that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Helps deglaze the pan and adds acidity to balance the cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the creamy sauce, it adds richness and silkiness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami and thickens the sauce with cheesy goodness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds a bright, tangy base that complements the cream beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthy note.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente—this means it should be firm to the bite but cooked through, perfect for soaking up the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly until it’s nicely caramelized and no longer pink. This step builds a depth of flavor that’s essential for this recipe’s hearty character.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
To the browned sausage, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, cooking for an additional minute so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, which intensifies the flavor and evaporates the alcohol making the sauce smoother and richer.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until combined and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully and for all the ingredients to marry into a rich, luscious coating for the pasta.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta
Now it’s time for the magic. Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet, tossing everything together so each piece of pasta is luxuriously coated with that creamy sausage sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes just to heat through and ensure the sauce clings perfectly to every ridged tube.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a gorgeous pop of color and a fresh herbal note that lightens up the richness of the dish. A little extra Parmesan cheese grated on top never hurts either—adding a salty, nutty finish that makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess by adding some brightness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe in oven-safe bowls topped with extra cheese, then broil briefly to create a golden bubbly crust. Or sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chili oil for a delightful textural or flavor contrast that surprises and delights your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy feast, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead and save it for later. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture and stir often until warmed through. This keeps the pasta from drying out and preserves its incredible flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni holds the sauce exceptionally well, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or penne rigate can work beautifully if you can’t find rigatoni.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and silky texture, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese. Just keep an eye on the sauce to prevent curdling.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. The sauce remains just as delicious and creamy!
What type of Italian sausage is best?
Sweet or hot Italian sausage works depending on your heat preference. Hot sausage adds a bit of spice that complements the creamy tomato sauce nicely.
How can I make the sauce more spicy?
If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle some chili oil on top when serving for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser and a dependable go-to when you want to treat yourself and those you love to something warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful. It’s easy enough to make on any night yet special enough to impress guests, proving that simple ingredients can create truly spectacular meals. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and comforting creamy sausage rigatoni recipe featuring Italian sausage simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This easy stovetop dish delivers hearty flavors with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or substitute turkey sausage for a lighter dish.
- This creamy rigatoni pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
