There’s just something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s filled with creamy richness and hearty sausage. This dish reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where we’d gather around the table and share stories over endless helpings of pasta. The smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen, the cheerful clinking of forks against plates—it’s a memory that wraps around you like a warm hug. Today, I want to share with you my beloved Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe—a dish that’s sure to bring warmth to your home, no matter the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Rich, melty, and comforting flavors that feel indulgent.
• Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! You won’t need anything too fancy here; just some good old-fashioned staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Gather these goodies, and let’s get to cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to conjure up this creamy pasta delight step-by-step:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add your rigatoni. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water—this will come in handy later!
2. Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. It’s gonna smell amazing!
3. Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen like a warm embrace!
4. Mix in the cream and marinara: Pour in the heavy cream and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Add the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and luscious. If it seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine with pasta: Drain the rigatoni and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated in that velvety goodness. Just be gentle—overmixing can break up the pasta!
7. Serve and enjoy: Once everything is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if you have it on hand. And don’t be shy about adding extra cheese for that lovely gooey factor!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun twists and tips to make this dish your own:

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sausage for a bit of heat.
• Veggie lovers: Toss in some spinach or diced bell peppers while the sauce simmers for added nutrition and color.
• Cheese lover: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Fontina or gouda would melt beautifully into this dish!
• Whole grain or gluten-free: Swap out regular rigatoni for whole grain or gluten-free pasta options if you’re looking for healthier alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your creamy Italian sausage rigatoni, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments! I love to serve this dish with a crisp, green salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette. A loaf of crusty garlic bread on the side is simply irresistible—perfect for mopping up all that creamy sauce. And if you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, pair it with a glass of red wine. Picture yourself curled up by the fire, fork in hand, enjoying every bite one delightful mouthful at a time. Oh, the coziness!

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (always a win in my book!), here’s how to store and reheat your creamy rigatoni:

• Refrigerating: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to batch cook, this dish freezes beautifully! Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toss it in the microwave or reheat in a saucepan over low heat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just make sure to use dairy-free cheese for the best results.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the garlic. This will give your dish a delightful kick!

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Definitely! Turkey or chicken sausage works just as well and can be a great lighter option while still delivering fantastic flavor.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

No worries! You can easily blend diced tomatoes with Italian herbs for a quick homemade sauce or opt for a jar of any tomato-based pasta sauce that you enjoy.

Conclusion

There you have it—my Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and home, just as it has mine. I hope you give it a try! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a kick of flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather around the table with family and friends. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your thoughts or any fun variations you come up with. Happy cooking!

Delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe to Savor

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this delicious creamy Italian sausage rigatoni recipe Perfect for a cozy dinner it combines rich flavors and simple techniques for a hearty dish

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add your rigatoni. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning.

Pour in heavy cream and marinara sauce, stirring to combine and allowing to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Drain rigatoni and add to the skillet, tossing gently until coated with sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 600 calories
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: pasta, creamy sausage rigatoni, Italian recipes, dinner ideas, comfort food