Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and reduces cleanup time.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy tomato sauce offers a comforting and indulgent flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of sausages or added vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Italian sausage, crumbled
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Uncooked rigatoni pasta
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Sausage Options: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Pasta Substitutes: Penne or farfalle can be used in place of rigatoni if preferred.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh basil or parsley can be added for a burst of freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Crumbled Italian sausage is ideal, but you can also use sausage links with the casings removed and sliced.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides a richer sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta separately?
No, the rigatoni cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and reducing the number of dishes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to increase the heat level.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen; it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or arugula are good substitutes that provide a similar texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, stirring in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can enhance the flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish nicely.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family. Its simplicity and rich taste make it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a quick and easy Italian-inspired recipe, combining tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Combine Pasta and Liquids:
Add rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. - Cook the Pasta:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. - Add Spinach:
Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. - Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For added spice, use hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if desired.
- Adjust sauce consistency with additional chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian