Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick dinner recipe that brings together hearty rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, velvety cream sauce in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and makes a perfect comfort meal for busy nights. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas that feel indulgent or food ideas to impress guests without the stress, this creamy pasta delivers big-time. It’s one of those simple meals that everyone will crave again and again — a satisfying and delicious choice for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend meals.
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
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
3. Push sausage to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, blending it with sausage and aromatics.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, toss to coat, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente works best for creamy sauces.
A splash of reserved pasta water can fix any sauce that’s too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg