There’s something special about sharing a warm meal with loved ones. The creamy sausage rigatoni recipe brings everyone together. It’s filled with hearty beef sausage, robust garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes.

This dish is more than just food; it’s a loving reminder of home. It’s perfect for any family-friendly dinner idea. In just about 30 minutes, you can make a plate of creamy goodness that fills your belly and warms your heart.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe. It promises to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. It’s the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation!

Key Takeaways

• This creamy sausage rigatoni is a quick, one-pan comfort dish.
• Perfect for family-friendly dinners that will delight both adults and kids.
• The recipe boasts rich flavors with hearty sausage and garlic.
• Versatile to customize with added veggies or lighter protein options.
• Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy sausage rigatoni recipe is a flavor-packed winner for weeknight dinners. It’s perfect for those looking for quick, satisfying meals. This dish shows why one-pot pasta dishes are so popular today.

One‑pan quick comfort – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup

Time is precious in today’s world. This recipe is ideal for a fast dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup easy and your meal delicious.

Rich, savory flavor – Hearty sausage, garlic, and red pepper flakes form a flavorful base

The secret to this recipe’s success is its rich flavor built on wholesome proteins and carefully balanced ingredients, which can still fit into a healthy dietary pattern. Quality sausage, fresh garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes make it hearty. This mix turns your pasta into a comforting dish that’s hard to resist, embodying the spirit of Italian pasta.

Versatile additions – Easily add mushrooms, bell pepper, or swap to turkey sausage for a lighter twist

This creamy rigatoni is not only delicious but also flexible. You can add mushrooms or bell peppers to make it your own. Or, try turkey sausage for a lighter version without losing flavor. Its versatility makes it a great choice for easy dinner recipes.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

On a chilly evening or when you crave something savory, creamy sausage rigatoni is perfect. The smell of it cooking brings back memories of family dinners or cozy nights. This recipe is not just comforting but also a joy to make, with a homemade pasta sauce everyone will love. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to make this delightful dish that’s both rich and simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy pasta, you’ll need the following:

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) beef sausage, casings removed
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5g) red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Here’s how to make your creamy sausage rigatoni:

1. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes:
– Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
– For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

Key Takeaways

• This creamy sausage rigatoni can be made in just about 30 minutes.
• Using fresh ingredients makes your homemade pasta sauce taste better.
• The dish is versatile; adding vegetables boosts nutrition.
• Cooking with sausage makes the meal hearty and satisfying.
• This recipe is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed as leftovers.

Notes & Customizations

Customizing the creamy sausage rigatoni can make it truly your own. It can fit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Swap smart

Feel free to swap ingredients in this recipe. Try turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage for less fat. It still keeps that savory essence. Gluten-free pasta is another option, making it good for those with dietary restrictions. Get creative and make it your own.

Add veggies

Adding seasonal vegetables can make your meal better. Think about adding zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor. These additions boost health and interest, making it great for family dinners.

Lighten up

Want to cut calories without losing flavor? Use less cream or choose low-fat dairy. These changes make a healthier version of this classic dish. It’s perfect for those watching their diet but still want a tasty meal.

Nutrition & Recipe Stats

Knowing the nutrition stats of your meals can make cooking better. This creamy sausage rigatoni recipe is full of flavor and nutrients. It’s a balanced dish for your family, ready in just 30 minutes.

Time Breakdown

Servings & Calories

This recipe makes four servings, great for family dinners or meal prep. Each serving has about 580 kcal. You can make it lighter by changing some ingredients.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Meal prep makes weeknights easier and tastier with creamy sausage rigatoni. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone wanting to simplify dinner. These tips let you enjoy this dish several times a week, making it a top choice for easy dinners.

Reheat easily with a splash of broth or water.

Leftovers might lose some creaminess. But, adding chicken broth or water while reheating brings it back. It tastes like it’s just been made.

Leftovers store in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Keep creamy sausage rigatoni in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s great for quick lunches or dinners.

Sauce can be made ahead; reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Make the sauce ahead of time for easy meal prep. Store it in the fridge. Then, cook pasta and mix it with the sauce. This saves time and makes dinner ready in minutes.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Enjoying creamy sausage rigatoni is even better with the right sides. These pairings boost the dish’s flavors and make for a well-rounded meal. They’re perfect for family dinners.

Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.

A green salad adds a refreshing touch to creamy pasta. Mix greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette for a zesty taste. Add warm garlic bread for a cozy feel. This combo is a hit for many.

A side of roasted broccoli or steamed green beans complements beautifully.

Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add nutrition to your meal. They bring color, texture, and flavor. Their crunch pairs well with creamy rigatoni, making each bite enjoyable.

Finish with a bold red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

End your meal with a full-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These wines match the savory sausage, enhancing your dining. Your table will be filled with great tastes and aromas, ending a wonderful evening.

Conclusion

Your search for the perfect creamy sausage rigatoni recipe ends here. This dish is a delight for your taste buds. It’s also a testament to the convenience of comfort food recipes.

It can elevate any family gathering or casual dinner. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

This creamy sausage rigatoni is very adaptable. You can add colorful vegetables or swap out ingredients for leaner options. This makes it uniquely yours.

It’s no wonder you’ll return to it time and time again. Once you experience the satisfaction of this creamy pasta dish, you’ll want it again.

For even more weeknight meal inspiration, check out our Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese or the family-favorite Classic Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze. And if you’re into quick-prep dinners with tons of flavor, the Garlic Butter Chicken or hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew will round out your menu beautifully.

So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this flavorful dish. You’ll enjoy the cooking process and the joy it brings to your dinner table. Every meal will be a cherished experience.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Dig into this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni—rich, hearty, and loaded with bold flavor in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz 340g rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb 450g beef sausage, casings removed
• 1 tbsp 15ml olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp 5g red pepper flakes
• 1 cup 240ml chicken broth
• 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
• 4 cups 120g fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

 

• Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, cook the beef sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
• Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Notes:
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

Keyword creamy sausage rigatoni recipe, easy dinner recipes, homemade pasta sauce, italian pasta dishes