A cozy, restaurant-style pasta that comes together in minutes — rich, creamy, and packed with bold sausage flavor.
There’s something special about a big bowl of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. The way the sauce clings to every ridge of pasta, the comforting aroma of garlic and Italian herbs — it’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot pasta delivers pure comfort in every bite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Creamy perfection: A luscious sauce made with cream, Parmesan, and savory sausage drippings.
- Simple and quick: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters fall in love with the cheesy, garlicky flavor.
- Restaurant quality at home: Feels like fine dining, without the cost or wait.
- Reheats beautifully: Stays creamy and flavorful even the next day.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove excess grease.
- Add aromatics: Stir in onion and cook until soft, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Toss in cooked rigatoni and let everything simmer together for 2 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add red chili flakes.
- Lighter version: Replace cream with half-and-half and use turkey sausage.
- Add veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella before serving for a gooey finish.
🍽️ How to Serve
Pair this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to be the star of any dinner table.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream and warm on the stove or microwave.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
The balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory sausage flavors makes this pasta irresistibly satisfying. The rigatoni’s shape holds the sauce perfectly, giving you that full, comforting bite every time. This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is proof that simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality meals right in your kitchen.
