Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – A Cozy, Rich Pasta Favorite
Creamy sausage rigatoni is a rich, savory pasta dish made with crumbled Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and a splash of cream. It’s simple to make and packed with comforting flavor.
Ingredients
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12 oz rigatoni pasta
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
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Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
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Cook rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
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In a large skillet, heat oil. Brown sausage, breaking it up, until fully cooked.
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Add onion; cook 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Add crushed tomatoes (and tomato paste if using). Simmer 10–15 minutes.
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Stir in cream and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
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Add drained pasta and toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed.
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Stir in fresh herbs and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Add sautéed vegetables for a nutrition boost. Great for leftovers or meal prep.