This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a foolproof recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comforting, delicious, and packed with flavor—a must-try pasta dish for any occasion!

This hearty pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The rigatoni pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, and the addition of herbs and cheese elevates this dish to a restaurant-quality meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy: The sauce is perfectly velvety, coating every bite of rigatoni for a luxurious texture.

Bold flavors: The combination of spicy or sweet Italian sausage with garlic, herbs, and tomato adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: You can customize it by adding vegetables, switching up the sausage, or using gluten-free pasta.

Crowd-pleaser: The creamy, cheesy goodness makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)

1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream

1 cup marinara sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Process

Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.

Sauté garlic:
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the sauce ingredients:
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Mix in the cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated into the sauce.

Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.

Garnish and serve:
Top the pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Vegetable Addition: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat.

Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni or any pasta of your choice to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them.

2. Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

3. What type of sausage should I use?
You can use sweet, mild, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference. Chicken or turkey sausage can also be used for a leaner option.

4. Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean turkey sausage. You can also add more vegetables to reduce the calorie content.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Pair it with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a perfect dinner experience.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.