Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes.Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thickened.Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary restrictions.