Craving a cozy Italian dish that warms the soul?

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni will envelop your senses in a heavenly embrace of flavors and fragrances that’ll make you forget all about your troubles. It’s creamy, comforting, and comes together in one pot, making it a sleeper hit for weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be daydreaming about it until you can whip up another batch!

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like it just came from a fancy restaurant but is super easy to make at home? Here’s why this dish should make its way to your dinner table:

Easy Cleanup: It’s a one-pan dish! Less time scrubbing pots means more time for that second helping.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults will both devour this creamy goodness. It’s like a universal wave of “YUM!”
Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, your wallet will thank you.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 large Onion (diced)
4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage (may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage)
(2) 28-ounce cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried basil)
1/4 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta

Directions

Let’s get cooking. Here’s how to whip up this delightful dish:

Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and then the diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian sausage. Cook for another 7-8 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the sausage is sizzling, fill a separate pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions (usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente).
Prepare the Sauce:
- Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them until smooth.
- Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it come to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Make It Creamy:
- Add heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well and let simmer on medium-low for another 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Drain the rigatoni and toss it into the sauce, stirring well to coat each piece. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve:
- Plate up your pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Dive in and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors!

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni (Overview)

Creating this dish is as simple as 1-2-3! Start by sautéing your onions and garlic with the sausage until it’s nicely browned. While that’s happening, boil your rigatoni until it’s perfectly tender. Once everything’s combined with the creamy sauce, you’ll have a feast that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but don’t worry, it’s just our little secret!). Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This rigatoni delights the eyes with its creamy tomato-red sauce and the pop of fresh basil. Serve it warm, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of toasted garlic bread for that perfect crunch. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it fills your home with an inviting aroma that you won’t be able to resist! 🌿🍝

How to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though let’s face it, leftovers are always a gamble!), this dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of cream or a little water to loosen it up—nobody likes a dried-out pasta!

Tips to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Tweak the Heat: If you like it spicy, add more red chili flakes. Not so much? Skip them altogether!
Pasta Al Dente: Cook your pasta slightly less than you think; it’ll absorb some sauce and finish cooking with the heat of the pot.
Cheese Galore: Go ahead, add more cheese on top when serving. It’s basically a rule in Italian cooking!

Variation

Want to switch things up? Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version! If you’re going fully plant-based, switch the sausage for a plant-based alternative, and use cashew cream to keep that creamy goodness intact.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Sure thing! Penne or fusilli works great too. Just keep an eye on cooking times!

Is there a vegetarian version?
Yep! Swap out the sausage for a medley of veggies or a meat alternative and follow the same steps. You’ll stay rich and creamy without the meat!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!