Indulgent Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
A comforting and satisfying dish featuring rigatoni pasta, creamy sauce, and savory Italian sausage, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni Pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing
- 1 medium onion, diced Adds sweetness as it cooks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth
- 1 pound Italian sausage Spicy or mild based on preference
- 1 can canned tomatoes, 14.5 ounces Fire-roasted for added flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust to taste
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream For a smooth consistency
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese To enrich the sauce
- as needed Fresh basil For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the rigatoni and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rigatoni in a colander and set it aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet, cooking until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add red chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Lower the heat slightly and gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated into the sauce.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta.
- Plate the creamy pasta and sprinkle more Parmesan on top; finish with fresh basil.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water if necessary. For extra flavor, try different sausage types or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.