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Sausage Rigatoni

If you love pasta dishes that are rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, then this Sausage Rigatoni recipe is for you! It combines juicy, savory sausage with a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and just the right amount of cheese.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater If using fresh Parmesan or mozzarella.

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • Fresh basil chopped (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
  • Add 12 oz of rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
  • Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add 1 lb of Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • If you like spice, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Pour in 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes and stir.
  • Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, making the sauce rich and creamy.
  • Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix everything together.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let it melt.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
  • Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate for 6 Servings)

  • Calories: ~600-700 kcal
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~65g
  • Fats: ~30g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12g
  • Cholesterol: ~70mg
  • Fiber: ~5g
  • Sodium: ~900-1000mg
 
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
 
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword easy dinner recipes, easy pasta recipes, sausage rigatoni recipe