Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to make. This dish features al dente rigatoni coated in a luscious cream sauce, complemented by savory sausage and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables or types of sausage, making it a versatile option for any palate. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that delights the senses.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta
- Italian sausage (or your choice)
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken broth (low-sodium)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine; simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the drained rigatoni into the sauce, mixing until evenly coated; add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality sausage for better flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg