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
Scale
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.
