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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with browned Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines hearty sausage and creamy textures with a hint of spice for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
  • Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for added flavor and presentation.
  • For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, although the sauce will be less rich.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-recipe/