Name: Divine Italian Sausage Rigatoni: 1 Pot Wonder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 pound Italian Sausage; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1 cup Tomato Sauce; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 12 ounces Rigatoni, uncooked; 3 cups Chicken Broth; 2 cups Fresh Spinach; Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; Red Pepper Flakes, to taste (optional)

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Italian Sausage Rigatoni has been my go-to comfort food ever since I first tasted it at a small trattoria in Rome. That first bite, with its rich tomato cream sauce clinging to perfectly al dente rigatoni, was pure bliss. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, and after many attempts, I’ve perfected an easy Italian sausage rigatoni recipe that brings that same warmth and flavor to my kitchen. The aroma of simmering sausage and herbs always makes my family gather around, eager for dinner. This simple Italian sausage pasta dish is truly a weeknight hero. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Rigatoni

I know you’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. It’s truly a game-changer for busy evenings!

It’s incredibly delicious, offering a perfect blend of savory sausage and a rich, luscious sauce.
This creamy Italian sausage rigatoni is surprisingly quick to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time.
It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning significantly less cleanup after dinner.
The ingredients are budget-friendly, making it an economical choice for feeding the whole family.
Even picky eaters tend to adore this hearty and flavorful dish, making mealtime stress-free.
This creamy Italian sausage rigatoni provides a satisfying and balanced meal, packed with protein and vegetables.
It’s easily adaptable to your taste, whether you prefer it mild or with a spicy kick.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible meal. Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious Italian sausage rigatoni:

1 tablespoon Olive Oil – essential for browning the sausage and building flavor.
1 pound Italian Sausage – I prefer a mild or hot variety, depending on your spice preference, crumbled for even cooking.
3 cloves Garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference!
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning – a blend of dried herbs that adds classic Italian flavor notes.
1 cup Tomato Sauce – the base for our rich and savory sauce.
1 cup Heavy Cream – this is what makes our rigatoni with Italian sausage and tomato sauce so wonderfully creamy.
12 ounces Rigatoni, uncooked – the perfect pasta shape to capture all that delicious sauce.
3 cups Chicken Broth – provides liquid for cooking the pasta and adds depth to the sauce.
2 cups Fresh Spinach – for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, wilts beautifully into the dish.
Salt, to taste – always season as you go!
Black Pepper, to taste – freshly ground is best.
Red Pepper Flakes, to taste (optional) – for those who enjoy a little extra heat in their Italian sausage rigatoni.

How to Make Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Making this simple Italian sausage pasta dish is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: In a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll see it shimmering after about 1-2 minutes, indicating it’s ready for the sausage.
Step 2: Add 1 pound of crumbled Italian sausage to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is evenly browned and thoroughly cooked through. This browning adds so much flavor to your Italian sausage rigatoni.
Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the browned sausage. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Step 4: Add 12 ounces of uncooked rigatoni to the skillet. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of tomato sauce. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring that most of the rigatoni pasta is submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking for your Italian sausage rigatoni.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Continue cooking until the rigatoni is perfectly al dente—tender but still with a slight bite.
Step 6: Once the rigatoni is tender, remove the lid. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and turned a vibrant green color. This adds a lovely freshness to your simple Italian sausage pasta dish.
Step 7: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Serve your delicious Italian sausage rigatoni immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors!

Divine Italian Sausage Rigatoni: 1 Pot Wonder - Italian Sausage Rigatoni - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Rigatoni

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. These pro tips will help you create the most flavorful and perfectly textured Italian sausage rigatoni every single time.

Always use a good quality Italian sausage; the flavor foundation is key.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
Ensure your rigatoni is cooked al dente for the best texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end adds incredible richness.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy Italian sausage rigatoni?

The real secret lies in not overcooking the pasta and allowing the sauce to reduce just enough to coat each rigatoni piece beautifully. Using heavy cream and a good quality tomato sauce creates that luscious, rich consistency you want for the best Italian sausage rigatoni. It’s all about balance!

Can I make Italian sausage rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! I often make the sauce base (sausage, garlic, seasonings, tomato sauce, and broth) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, when I’m ready to eat, I just add the cream and uncooked rigatoni, simmering until done. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade Italian sausage rigatoni?

First, avoid overcooking the pasta; mushy rigatoni is a no-go. Second, don’t skimp on seasoning—flavor builds in layers. Lastly, make sure your skillet is large enough to allow the pasta to cook evenly without overcrowding. These steps ensure delicious Italian sausage rigatoni.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This hearty pasta dish is fantastic on its own, but I have a few favorite ways to serve it that really complete the meal. For a simple and satisfying dinner, I often pair my rigatoni pasta with sausage with a fresh, crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce.

Another excellent option is to serve it alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia. Dipping the bread into the rich, flavorful sauce is an absolute treat! For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle a little chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. Sometimes, I’ll even add a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli for a boost of green vegetables.

Divine Italian Sausage Rigatoni: 1 Pot Wonder - Italian Sausage Rigatoni - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving for this delicious Italian sausage rigatoni recipe (recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: 600 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This hearty Italian sausage rigatoni provides a satisfying meal.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Sausage Rigatoni

One of the best things about this one-pan Italian sausage rigatoni is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Once your delicious Italian sausage rigatoni has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you’re looking to store it longer, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual servings until heated through, stirring halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Italian sausage rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for capturing the rich sauce, you can easily substitute it with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even orecchiette. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it until it reaches al dente. This flexibility makes learning how to make Italian sausage rigatoni even easier.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the creamy Italian sausage rigatoni?

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. For an even lighter option, a splash of milk combined with a tablespoon of cream cheese or even plain Greek yogurt (stirred in at the very end to prevent curdling) can create a creamy texture for your Italian sausage rigatoni. I’ve found these substitutions work well when I’m in a pinch!

How can I make this Italian sausage rigatoni spicier?

To kick up the heat, I recommend using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and Italian seasoning. For an extra punch, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end will certainly do the trick, creating a truly spicy Italian sausage rigatoni.

Can I add vegetables to my Italian sausage rigatoni?

Yes, and I highly encourage it! Besides spinach, I often add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even zucchini along with the sausage. Sautéing them with the sausage and garlic will ensure they cook through and absorb all the delicious flavors. This is a great way to boost the nutritional value and customize your Italian sausage rigatoni. It’s a simple step when considering how to make Italian sausage rigatoni your own.

Variations of Italian Sausage Rigatoni You Can Try

While this recipe for Italian sausage rigatoni is fantastic as written, I love experimenting with different variations to keep things exciting. It’s easy to adapt this dish to suit various tastes or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, swap out mild Italian sausage for a hot variety. You can also significantly increase the red pepper flakes for a truly spicy Italian sausage rigatoni pasta that will warm you from the inside out.
Cream-Free Option: For a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream and use an equal amount of chicken broth or even a dairy-free milk alternative. The sauce will be less rich but still incredibly flavorful.
Baked Version: After cooking the pasta and sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden. This transforms it into a delicious baked Italian sausage rigatoni.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the spinach. They cook down beautifully in the sauce and add extra nutrients and texture to your Italian sausage rigatoni.