Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to your table. This easy-to-make pasta recipe combines al dente rigatoni with savory Italian sausage and a rich, creamy sauce, enhanced by fragrant herbs and topped with fresh basil. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, this flavorful meal is sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add crumbled sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- 3. Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic with the sausage and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, let simmer while stirring until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).
- 5. Combine: Add drained rigatoni and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, tossing gently. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.
- 6. Finish: Stir in chopped basil just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.