Go Back
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

- Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for both special occasions and cozy dinners, this dish features tender rigatoni coated in a rich creamy sauce, loaded with savory sausage, garlic, and fresh spinach. Discover tips for perfecting the sauce and ingredient swaps to make it your own. Click to explore this delightful recipe that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.

    Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Remove the sausage from its casing and add to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

      Add Aromatics: To the skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

        Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If necessary, adjust the consistency with more pasta water.

              Plate Up: Divide the creamy sausage rigatoni among serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top for an elegant finish.