Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

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Need a divine sausage rigatoni pasta dish? Then youare in the right place! Get the recipe below!

Picture this: a forkful of rigatoni drenched in a rich, velvety sauce, dotted with savory bites of Italian sausage.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the epitome of indulgent comfort food—simple to make, yet bursting with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe was born during one of my kitchen experiments, where I wanted to elevate a basic pasta dinner into something special.

With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, it turned into a family favorite we now make on repeat.

Ready to bring a little magic to your weeknight meals? Let’s get started!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni checks all the boxes for a perfect meal: it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Easy to Prepare: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with picky eaters and foodies alike. Customize it with veggies, spices, or alternative proteins to suit everyone’s taste.
Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy a delicious meal the next day without compromising on taste or texture.

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort:

Rigatoni: Its ridged texture is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Penne or ziti are great substitutes if needed.
Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. It’s the foundation of this dish’s savory depth.
Heavy Cream: The creamy base that gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
Tomato Paste: Adds a hint of tang and richness, balancing the creaminess with a pop of acidity.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan enhances the sauce with its salty, nutty flavor.
Garlic and Onion: Classic aromatics that create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Optional ingredients like a splash of white wine, fresh parsley, or basil for garnish can elevate the dish even further.

All you’ll need is a large skillet or Dutch oven to bring it together.

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni pasta is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it:

Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly for extra flavor, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. If using white wine, deglaze the pan now to lift any browned bits from the bottom, adding a layer of depth to the sauce.
Make the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to enhance its flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan and mix until it’s melted and incorporated.
Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

This dish is just as satisfying the next day, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners.

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
Add Some Heat: Use spicy Italian sausage or stir in red pepper flakes for a kick of spice.
Boost with Veggies: Toss in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Lighten It Up: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of cream and chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try pecorino romano or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative—the possibilities are endless!

Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully crumbled. Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic and onion in the same skillet until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine, if desired.
Stir in tomato paste, followed by heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Simmer until the sauce is smooth.
Return sausage to the skillet and mix in the cooked rigatoni. Stir in parmesan cheese and season to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or basil.

With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is comfort food at its finest.

Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Bon appétit!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta – A New Go-To Comfort Dish