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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: Delightfully Easy Italian Comfort Dish

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a heartwarming and quick-to-make dish that combines rich flavors of Italian sausage with creamy sauce and rigatoni pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Can be substituted with vegetable oil for a lighter flavor.
  • 15 oz Italian Sausage (crumbled) Can use sweet, mild, or spicy sausages based on preference.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be a lighter substitute, though it may alter texture.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Can replace with 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme as a substitute.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Marinara or tomato pasta sauce are viable alternatives.
For the Pasta & Greens
  • 8 oz Rigatoni (uncooked) Can substitute with penne if desired.
  • 5 oz Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale or arugula if preferred.
To Season
  • Salt & Coarsely Ground Black Pepper To taste; adjust based on sausage saltiness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes Optional, can be omitted for a milder dish.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce into the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, simmering for 10-15 minutes until the rigatoni is al dente.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Season with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately in bowls, enjoying the creamy sauce with the pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Stir regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

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