Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: A Flavorful and Comforting Dinner
Core Ingredients:
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Italian sausage (crumbled) – 15 oz
- Rigatoni (uncooked) – 8 oz
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic (minced) – 4 cloves
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Tomato sauce – 15 oz
- Fresh spinach – 5 oz
- Salt – To taste
- Black pepper (coarsely ground) – To taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Italian sausage (crumbled) – 15 oz
- Rigatoni (uncooked) – 8 oz
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic (minced) – 4 cloves
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Tomato sauce – 15 oz
- Fresh spinach – 5 oz
- Salt – To taste
- Black pepper (coarsely ground) – To taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Combine Key Ingredients:
- To the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well to ensure the pasta is coated evenly in the mixture.
- Simmer and Cook:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rigatoni is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Fresh Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt over medium heat. Alternatively, remove the skillet from the heat, cover, and let the spinach wilt with residual heat for about 4 minutes.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat and season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper or using hot Italian sausage.