Description
The Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick and easy one-pan dinner that features a creamy sauce, flavorful sausage, and tender pasta, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, crumbled)
- 8 ounce rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 15 ounce tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 5 ounce fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1. In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light and creamy.
2. To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and coat the pasta.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed the creamy tomato flavors.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Alternatively, you can turn off the heat, cover, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
5. If you’d like a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
6. Dish up the Best Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal!
Notes
For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg