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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – A Cozy, One-Pot Pasta Packed with Flavor

When you're craving something rich, comforting, and downright crave-worthy, this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hits every note. Tender pasta coated in a velvety tomato cream sauce, juicy bits of Italian sausage, and fresh spinach stirred in for a little green goodness — it’s the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds… or thirds. 🍝🔥 Whether you're cooking for your family, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot pasta recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor. The blend of tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic, and Italian sausage creates a sauce that hugs each rigatoni tube perfectly. If you love creamy pasta recipes like Tuscan Chicken Pasta or Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni, then this dish is going to be your new go-to weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein & Base:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
  • 15 oz Italian sausage crumbled – use sweet or spicy depending on your preference
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
Pasta & Sauce:
  • 8 oz rigatoni uncooked
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 15 oz tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
  • Salt & coarsely ground black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Add-ins:
  • 5 oz fresh spinach – optional but highly recommended
  • 🧀 Optional Topping: freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Grater (if topping with Parmesan)

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the crumbled sausage and sauté for about 6–8 minutes, or until fully browned.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Liquids & Pasta
  1. Pour in:
  2. Chicken broth
  3. Heavy cream
  4. Tomato sauce
  5. Italian seasoning
  6. A pinch of red pepper flakes (if using)
  7. Stir to combine, then add rigatoni directly into the skillet.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  9. 🍝 No need to boil the pasta separately – it cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all that flavor!
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
  1. Cover and let it simmer for 13–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Check the pasta — it should be al dente, and the sauce will have thickened beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach
  1. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
  2. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
  1. Plate the pasta into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes for extra flair.
  2. Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

🔁 Variations
1. Make It Vegetarian
Swap sausage for plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or chickpeas.
2. Extra Creamy
Add ½ cup grated Parmesan directly into the sauce for a cheesier finish.
3. Add Vegetables
Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers with the spinach.
4. Spicy Lovers' Version
Use spicy Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes.
5. Baked Pasta
Transfer cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use penne or another pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well — just adjust cooking time slightly.
2. Is it spicy?
Only mildly — adjust red pepper flakes and use sweet sausage for a milder version.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Whole milk works best if substituting.
4. What kind of sausage works best?
Sweet or spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or any ground seasoned sausage.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes — it reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.
6. Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end.
7. Can I cook the pasta separately?
You could, but cooking it in the sauce makes it more flavorful and cuts down on dishes.
8. What wine pairs well with this?
A bold Chianti or Cabernet pairs beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce.
9. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or penne.
10. What can I serve on the side?
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Steamed green beans
Roasted veggies
✅ Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect one-pot meal — warm, rich, and packed with Italian-inspired comfort. With just the right balance of savory sausage, garlicky cream sauce, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels gourmet, but takes under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just want leftovers you’ll actually look forward to, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Love creamy pasta dishes?
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