Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, satisfying pasta dish with tender rigatoni, savory Italian-style beef sausage, and a rich tomato cream sauce that clings to every noodle for pure comfort food perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian
- style ground beef sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian-style ground beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and chopped fresh basil to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and thicken the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before combining the pasta.
Variations:
- Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Stir in spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Add smoked paprika for depth or lemon juice for brightness.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg