Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a perfect meal for busy weeknights. It brings comfort and flavor, making it a family favorite. This dish combines hearty Italian sausage with creamy sauce and pasta, creating a satisfying plate that everyone loves. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
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
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Step 2: Combine Key Ingredients
Once the sausage is cooked, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix everything well.
Step 3: Simmer Until Al Dente
Add the uncooked rigatoni to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Remember to stir occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
When the pasta is ready, fold in the fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly, adding a nice color and nutrition to the dish.
Step 5: Adjust the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the dish and sprinkle in some salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni straight from the skillet for a warm and inviting meal. You can garnish it with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
How to Store Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- For more flavor, use spicy Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Make it your own by adjusting the spices to your taste.
Variation
You can substitute the rigatoni with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. For a lighter version, try using turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and sauce in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Make sure to reheat well before serving.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix everything well.
- Add the uncooked rigatoni to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is ready, fold in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the dish and sprinkle in some salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!