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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: Your Cozy 30-Minute Dinner Fix

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick and comforting dinner recipe that brings the flavors of Italy to your table in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 3 cups rigatoni pasta feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian sausage choose spicy for a kick or sweet for a milder taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil any neutral oil works as a substitute
  • 4 cloves minced garlic fresh garlic is best for maximum taste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce canned crushed tomatoes can be used in a pinch
  • 1 cup heavy cream substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option
  • 2 cups chicken broth vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian twist
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme works if you’re out of this mix
  • to taste salt season to your personal taste
  • to taste black pepper season to your personal taste
  • to taste red pepper flakes optional for adding heat
For the Finishing Touch
  • 2 cups fresh spinach feel free to use kale or another leafy green as a substitute

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it's golden brown and no longer pink. Once done, drain any excess grease.
  2. Next, stir in 3 cups of uncooked rigatoni pasta, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of tomato sauce into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, gently fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
  5. If the sauce is too thin for your liking, cook the dish uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and season your dish to taste with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

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