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Irresistible Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe You Need to Try

Learn how to make delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that complement each other beautifully. I always reach for fresh Italian sausage with a good balance of herbs and spices, and quality rigatoni pasta that holds sauce well. When it comes to the creaminess, a mix of heavy cream and a touch of Parmesan makes the sauce silky without being too heavy — a trick I learned from my mom’s cooking. Feel free to swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce.

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs. Simmer the sauce gently for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
  6. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Heat together for a minute or two, letting the pasta soak up the sauce.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Watch your family dig in and enjoy!

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, recipe, cooking, food