Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

I’ve always been a fan of rich, comforting pasta dishes that don’t require hours in the kitchen, and this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hits all the right notes. The combination of tender rigatoni pasta, savory sausage, and a velvety cream sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to pull off on a busy weeknight. Every bite is packed with flavor, and I love how the ridges of the pasta catch just the right amount of sauce.

Whether I’m cooking for family, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or simply treating myself to a cozy night in, this recipe never disappoints. It’s hearty enough to be the star of the meal, and it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for both comfort and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the rigatoni, while the sausage adds a deep, savory element that balances the richness of the cream. It feels like restaurant-quality pasta, but without the price tag or the hassle. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and family-approved.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

You can use either spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your taste. I prefer spicy because it gives the sauce a gentle kick, but sweet sausage works well too. You can also experiment with chicken or turkey sausage if you’re looking for a leaner alternative.

Options for Substitutions

Pasta: Rigatoni is ideal because of its sturdy shape, but penne or ziti are great alternatives.
Sausage: Swap out pork sausage for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cream: If you’re cutting back on dairy, try coconut cream or a mix of cashew milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or even a bit of cream cheese can work if that’s what you have on hand.

Ingredients for this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Rigatoni Pasta: Its tubular shape and ridged texture are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy sauce.
Italian Sausage (Spicy or Mild): Adds rich, meaty flavor and a touch of spice or sweetness depending on your choice.
Yellow Onion: Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the sausage’s savoriness.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and enhances all the other flavors.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and saltiness, giving the sauce a rich umami kick.
Tomato Paste: Provides a deep, concentrated tomato flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and give a smooth base for the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Offers a burst of freshness and color to finish the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the ingredients.

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, usually about 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (casings removed, if applicable) and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Push the cooked sausage to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion. Cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well with the sausage and aromatics. Let it cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is fully combined and bubbling.

Step 5: Simmer the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the creamy sausage sauce. Toss to coat evenly and let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How Long to Prepare the Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Making this pasta dish is delightfully fast and stress-free, which is why I love it on weeknights. The total prep and cooking time comes in at about 30 minutes, making it a perfect balance of speed and satisfaction.

Prep Time: It takes about 10 minutes to chop the onion, mince the garlic, and get the ingredients organized.
Cooking Time: From browning the sausage to simmering the sauce and combining the pasta, the cooking process is roughly 20 minutes. Multitasking (like boiling pasta while browning sausage) helps keep it quick.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Cook pasta al dente: It continues to cook slightly in the sauce, and softer pasta can become mushy.
Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a more pronounced flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Simmer, don’t boil the cream: High heat can cause cream to separate; keep it gentle.
Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving — a pinch of salt or extra cheese can elevate the flavor instantly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the pasta: It’s tempting to let it go longer, but firm pasta holds up better in rich sauces.
Burning the garlic: It turns bitter fast; only sauté for about 30 seconds.
Skipping the tomato paste: This small step adds big depth to the cream sauce.
Not seasoning in layers: Add a bit of salt and pepper throughout cooking, not just at the end.
Using low-fat cream: It can split or curdle; go with full-fat for smoothness.

What to Serve With Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with a little olive oil and lemon adds a bright, earthy touch.

4. Sauteed Mushrooms

Umami-packed mushrooms complement the savory sausage beautifully.

5. Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese pairs deliciously with the creamy, meaty pasta.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of water or milk when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezer

This pasta freezes fairly well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to avoid overheating or drying out the pasta.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~640 kcal
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 820mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the dish with spicy sausage?

It has a gentle heat, not overwhelming. You can balance it with a touch more cream or choose mild sausage if preferred.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to eat.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same rich texture and may be more prone to curdling.

What kind of pasta can I substitute?

Penne, ziti, or even fusilli are great alternatives if rigatoni isn’t available.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Use plant-based sausage or swap with mushrooms and spinach for a hearty meat-free option.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table without requiring hours of effort. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a reliable weeknight winner that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this pasta delivers creamy, savory satisfaction every time.