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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni for Cozy Weeknight Comfort

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting hug, blending savory sausage and a luscious tomato-cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta This hearty, tubular shape beautifully holds the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Use crumbled for robust flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds fruitiness while browning sausage.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced for sweetness.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced to enhance richness.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the heart of the sauce.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Delivers velvety richness.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Thins the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Brings authentic Italian flair.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds nuttiness and thickens sauce.
  • a few leaves Fresh Basil Leaves For garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve about a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until well browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, gently tossing to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and integrates smoothly.
  7. Spoon the Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni onto warm plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure sausage is fully browned for enhanced flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. When reheating, add broth or cream to maintain texture.

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