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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and savory pasta dish with a luscious tomato-cream sauce, bold Italian sausage, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s a fast, one-pan comfort meal ideal for weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
  3. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thick and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute rigatoni with penne, orecchiette, or any short pasta.
  • Use chicken sausage or ground turkey for a lighter variation.
  • Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies.
  • A splash of white wine adds extra depth to the sauce.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of cream or water to restore consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni/