Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting pasta dish, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. Packed with flavorful crumbled Italian sausage, tender rigatoni, and a creamy sauce that’s infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and an extra boost of nutrients, making this meal as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy rigatoni is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different types of sausage or extra cheese for added richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful Sauce

The rich, creamy sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning creates a luscious coating for the pasta, making every bite indulgent and full of flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal in a short amount of time.

3. Customizable

Whether you prefer a spicier dish with hot sausage and red pepper flakes or a milder version with sweet sausage, this recipe can be tailored to your tastes.

4. One-Skillet Meal

Cooking the sausage, pasta, and sauce all in one skillet not only saves time on cleanup but also allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.

5. Perfect Comfort Food

With its combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and hearty pasta, this dish is the epitome of comfort food—filling, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Italian sausage (crumbled)
• Rigatoni (uncooked)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh spinach
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

• Heat Level: If you prefer a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.
• Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving for an extra cheesy kick.
• Different Pasta: You can substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti, but avoid long pastas like spaghetti for the best texture and sauce coverage.
• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Combine Key Ingredients

Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cover the skillet, letting it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir for a few minutes until it wilts. Alternatively, you can remove the skillet from the heat, cover it, and let the spinach sit for about 4 minutes.

Step 5: Adjust the Consistency

If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken it up, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pasta Choice: Use short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti. Long pastas such as spaghetti may not work as well with this creamy sauce.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the heat by using hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or opt for sweet Italian sausage for a milder version.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
• Add More Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the pasta just before serving.
• Thicker Sauce: To achieve a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer the sauce uncovered for longer.

How to Serve

This creamy sausage rigatoni is perfect on its own or paired with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add some color and a healthy side to the meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid burning or drying out the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist on this recipe.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any other short pasta, but avoid long pasta like spaghetti.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild by default, but you can add hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the sausage and pasta mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Add spinach just before serving.

5. How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet along with the sausage for more flavor and nutrition.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, use spicy Italian sausage, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect dish for a comforting weeknight dinner. With its creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a way to customize your meal to suit your taste, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Try it tonight for a hearty, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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