This creamy sausage rigatoni is made with crumbled Italian sausage simmered in creamy tomato sauce and served over pasta for the ultimate comfort food.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
There’s nothing that a big warm bowl of creamy sausage rigatoni can’t fix. This is the ultimate comfort food. It’s meaty, cheesy, loaded with carbs and incredibly easy to make, too. When my family is in the mood for a nice, hearty meal, this one always hits the spot.
The ingredients are simple but go together perfectly for a deliciously satisfying dinner. We rarely have leftovers but this is also great the next day, too. Try this one for the next pasta night and see how quickly it gets eaten up.
Ingredients
Heres what you'll need to make this delicious pasta. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Olive Oil- Helps the sausage and vegetables brown.
- Onion- Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Ground Sausage- Makes this pasta hearty, filling and super flavorful
- Garlic- Brings an aromatic homemade feel.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes(with the juice)- Adds texture and freshness.
- Tomato Sauce- Brings just the right mount of acidity
- Fresh Basil- Adds a bright, fresh herby flavor
- Salt & Pepper- Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Italian Seasoning- The perfect blend of Italian herbs and seasonings in one place
- Garlic Powder- Adds the earthy garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Rigatoni & a ladle of the pasta water- The pasta water will loosen the sauce and bring everything together while the pasta is the perfect choice for the sauce to cling on to.
How To Make It
Heres how to make this amazing creamy sausage rigatoni. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
First, in a large saucepan with a tall lip, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the chopped garlic, onion and sausage. Break the sausage down into little pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season the sauce salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce until everything is combined and let it cook for about 10 minutes over low heat.
PRO TIP: Don't stir the sausage immediately once you add it to the pan. Let it form a little crust before stirring. It will add a lot of extra flavor!
Now, stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil and continue to let it cook for another 5 minutes. Add the pasta water and rigatoni to the sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Finally, serve warm and garnish with basil and parmesan cheese (optional).
PRO TIP: Let the heavy cream get to room temperature or place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off. It will incorporate into the sauce much smoother that way.
What Sausage Should I Use?
Either sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage or a combination of both can be used here.
What Should I Serve This With?
This pasta is very hearty and filling. A simple side salad or Homemade Garlic Bread would be a great choice for sides.
Storage
Let the pasta cool completely and place it into a food safe air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs Olive oil
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 1 Pound Ground Sweet Italian Sausage
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 28 Oz can Diced Tomatoes (with the juice)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbs Garlic Powder
- 8 Oz Tomato Sauce
- ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 pound Rigatoni, cooked in salted water Keep a ladle of the pasta water
- Fresh Basil, shredded (optional)
- Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan with a tall lip, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and saute the onion and chopped garlic.
- Add the sausage and break it down into small pieces as it browns. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Season the sauce salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce until everything is combined and let it cook for about 10 minutes over low heat.
- Stir in the cream and continue to let it cook for another 5 minutes. Add the pasta water and rigatoni to the sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve warm and garnish with basil and parmesan cheese (optional).
Video
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
If you like super easy to make pasta recipes like this one, you have to try this Pasta Al Forno, Spinach & Tomato Bow Ties and Gigi Hadids Vodka Pasta.
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so much for letting me know. I’m so glad you liked it
Mike says
Just made this tonight and my family loved it, it was absolutely delicious! We’re definitely putting this one into our rotation.
Al Dente Diva says
Hey Melinda, thanks so much for letting me know. I’m so glad you liked it
Melinda says
Made this recipe tonight and it came out delicious thank you so much
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so much for trying it out & letting me know.
Anonymous says
Soo good. My family loved it
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so much for trying it out and letting me know. Congratulations on your pregnancy too!
Anonymous says
Made this last night. So delicious! The family loved it. Will definitely be making a lot more of this throughout my pregnancy
Al Dente Diva says
That makes me so happy to hear. Thank you
Anonymous says
I made this recipe and my family loves it??!