When you’re craving something rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni checks every box. This one-pot wonder brings together savory sausage, hearty rigatoni pasta, and a velvety tomato cream sauce—all ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just need a weeknight dinner that satisfies, this recipe is a must-try.
In today’s post, Savora, our AI chef from TryNowRecipes, shares exactly how to make this trending dish from Pinterest in your own kitchen. No fuss, no stress—just pure, creamy deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Fast and Simple – This dish comes together in only 30 minutes, from prep to plate.
- One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes to clean, more time to relax.
- Appeals to All Ages – With its deliciously cheesy and savory taste, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for casual dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy pasta dish uses simple, everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
- Rigatoni Pasta – 12 ounces, cooked al dente.
- Italian Sausage – 1 pound (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed.
- Yellow Onion – 1 small, finely diced.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
- Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons for rich depth of flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes – 1 (15-ounce) can.
- Heavy Cream – 3/4 cup for the creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, freshly grated.
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a spicy kick.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – Chopped, for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water with salt to a vigorous boil. Cook the rigatoni until it’s al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Warm olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and crumble it with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to intensify the flavor. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Stir in the rigatoni and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Use Quality Sausage – A flavorful Italian sausage makes all the difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the sauce and absorb more flavor.
- Add Veggies – Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well in this dish.
- Make It Spicy – Use hot Italian sausage or add more chili flakes for extra heat.
- Lactose-Free Option – Use lactose-free cream and cheese if needed.
Variations to Try
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can change things up:
- Creamy Chicken Rigatoni – Swap sausage for cooked shredded chicken or chicken sausage.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms instead.
- Baked Sausage Rigatoni – Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Rigatoni alla Vodka Twist – Add a splash of vodka to the tomato paste for a restaurant-style flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides:
- Garlic Bread – For soaking up every last bit of sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing counterbalance to the creamy pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Roasted Veggies – Try roasted bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days for fresh, tasty meals later.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, heat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between each interval.
Freezing:
This pasta can be frozen, though the texture may change a bit because of the cream. Keep in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts from Savora
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting classic that’s trending for good reason—it’s rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s your first time trying this recipe or you’re a pasta enthusiast looking to shake up your routine, this one-pot dinner will win you over.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of savory sausage and creamy tomato sauce fill your kitchen. With just 30 minutes and one pan, you’ll have a delicious dinner that feels like it came straight from a restaurant—no reservations needed.
If you’re a fan of sausage dishes, be sure to check out this delicious chicken sausage recipe. It’s a flavorful and healthy option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. You won’t want to miss it!
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