Description
“Make this Easy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta in just 35 minutes! A hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish made with Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a quick weeknight meal!”
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage.
- Cook until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
5️⃣ Add Cream & Cheese
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until sauce is creamy and rich.
6️⃣ Combine with Pasta
- Toss in cooked rigatoni, ensuring it’s fully coated in sauce.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
(Insert an image of the finished pasta garnished with basil.)
Notes
- Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Healthier Option: Use turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Easy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe Rigatoni Pasta with Sausage