Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: A Comfort Classic
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni brings together tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-cream sauce for the ultimate comfort dish. With bold flavors, a silky sauce, and just the right touch of Parmesan, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy date night at home, this pasta satisfies every craving. Each bite balances hearty sausage, fragrant herbs, and creamy tomato goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
Rigatoni is the perfect pasta for creamy sauces—it holds onto every drop. Paired with Italian sausage and a blend of tomato and cream, it’s a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips for Perfect Rigatoni
- Pasta Timing: Cook rigatoni until just al dente since it will finish in the sauce.
- Sausage Variety: Sweet or spicy Italian sausage both work—pick your favorite.
- Thicker Sauce: Let the cream simmer until it clings to the pasta.
- Cheese Upgrade: Add extra Parmesan or even Pecorino for a sharper bite.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment: Large pot, skillet, wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add sausage and cook, breaking into chunks, until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce and stir. Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream, and let simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and seasonings.
- Combine: Toss in the cooked rigatoni, coating evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Ready to Serve!
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss.
Storage Solutions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Tender rigatoni tossed with Italian sausage in a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce. Easy, hearty, and full of flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add sausage and cook, breaking into chunks, until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce and stir. Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream, and let simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and seasonings.
- Combine: Toss in the cooked rigatoni, coating evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
