Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors in just one pan. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes only 30 minutes to prepare. With the savory taste of Italian sausage and the creamy texture of the sauce, it’s a comforting choice that the whole family will love. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach not only boosts nutrition but also adds a pop of color to the dish, making it even more appealing.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
• 8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
• 15 oz tomato sauce (pasta sauce or marinara)
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste

Directions

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet.

2. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. To the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.

4. Bring to a boil, stirring well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.

5. Add spinach and cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.

   Optional: Remove from heat, top with spinach, cover, and let it wilt in the residual heat for about 4 minutes, then stir. Cook a bit longer if you prefer a thicker sauce. Remove from heat and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Serve the Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hot, straight from the skillet. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

To store any leftovers, let the rigatoni cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
• You can use other types of pasta if you don’t have rigatoni, but cooking times may vary.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Variations

If you’re looking to change things up, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use turkey sausage for a healthier twist, or even omit the sausage entirely for a vegetarian version.

FAQs

1. Can I make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.

3. Is it possible to freeze Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy sausage rigatoni!

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