Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: Your New Quick Comfort Food Delight

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a satisfying one-pot dish ready in just 30 minutes, combining savory Italian sausage with a rich creamy tomato sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil Adds moisture and flavor; substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed.
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled Provides savory flavor and protein; swap for turkey sausage for a leaner option.
1 cup chicken broth Adds depth of flavor; you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 cup heavy cream Contributes to creaminess; half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced Offers aromatic flavor; can swap with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavor profile; consider fresh herbs for a fresher taste.
15 oz tomato sauce Forms the sauce base; crushed tomatoes are a great substitute for added texture.

For the Pasta

8 oz rigatoni, uncooked Serves as the pasta base; penne or ziti can also work well.

For the Vegetables

5 oz fresh spinach Adds color and nutrition; kale or arugula can be used as alternatives.

For Seasoning

salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste; feel free to add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Equipment

large skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Add 15 oz of crumbled Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Add 8 oz of uncooked rigatoni, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 15 oz of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the pan tightly and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Fold in 5 oz of fresh spinach, stirring gently until wilted. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute. Spoon into bowls and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

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