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The Comfort of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: A Dish That Feels Like Home

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort meal! A rich, velvety sauce made with Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and cream coats every bite of tender rigatoni. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan—perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 15 oz Italian sausage crumbled, sweet or spicy
  • 8 oz rigatoni uncooked
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
  • 15 oz tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Method
 

Sizzle the Sausage:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
  3. Drain excess grease if needed.
Bring on the Base:
  1. To the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
  2. Stir everything to combine.
Simmer to Perfection:
  1. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and absorbs the creamy sauce.
Spinach Finale:
  1. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for a few minutes until wilted.
  2. Alternatively, cover the skillet and let the residual heat soften the spinach for 4 minutes.
Perfect the Texture:
  1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish cook uncovered for a couple more minutes.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Serve:
  1. Remove from heat and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  2. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make It Cheesier: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving.
  • Swap the Pasta: Penne or ziti work as great alternatives.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  • Customize the Heat: Use spicy sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.