Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-pan recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

• Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of creamy tomato sauce, savory sausage, and rigatoni pasta offers a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one pan, which makes it convenient and efficient.

• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add more veggies depending on your preference. You can even switch up the pasta if you like.

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 from Provence

• 15 oz tomato sauce (such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara)

• 5 oz fresh spinach

• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

• Red pepper flakes to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

2. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease or liquid.

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

4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring everything well. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.

5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for another couple of minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts. Alternatively, remove the skillet from heat, top with spinach, cover, and let it wilt in the residual heat for about 4 minutes.

6. If you’d like a thicker sauce, cook longer. Stir everything to combine, and remove from heat.

7. Season with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and replace it with a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat substitute. You can also add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini.

• Add More Veggies: In addition to spinach, you can incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or onions for added flavor and texture.

• Cheese Lovers: Top the finished dish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy sausage rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or rotini.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the rigatoni with a gluten-free pasta option and check that your chicken broth and tomato sauce are also gluten-free.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to season the meat well to add flavor.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta frequently while it’s cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If needed, add a little more broth or water during cooking.

6. Can I freeze this creamy sausage rigatoni?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook longer until it reduces. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken the sauce.

8. What can I serve this dish with?

This creamy sausage rigatoni pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the cheese.

10. How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness of the dish depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust the heat to your preference or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage rigatoni is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory sausage, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights or when you’re craving a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

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