🍝 Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – Rich, Spicy & Weeknight-Ready

I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – Hearty rigatoni pasta coated in a velvety tomato-cream sauce with savory sausage, garlic, and Italian herbs—pure pasta perfection!

Servings & Timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Dietary Tags: High-Protein | Comfort Food | Easy Weeknight Meal

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (pork or chicken)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/8 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

🔪 Quick Instructions

1. Boil pasta: Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown sausage: Heat olive oil, add sausage, cook until browned.

3. Sauté aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cook until soft.

4. Build sauce: Add tomato sauce, then stir in cream. Simmer until thickened.

5. Finish: Mix in Parmesan, seasonings, and cooked rigatoni. Garnish with parsley and more cheese.

Notes:

• W-W friendly version below swaps in chicken sausage and light cream.

• Total comfort food in one skillet!

II. Brief Introduction

If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort in a bowl, it’s this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. Between the bold, spiced sausage and that luscious tomato-Parmesan cream sauce, it’s everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and family-approved. I’ve made it with pork, chicken sausage, even plant-based versions, and it hits every time. Pair it with a salad and you’re golden!

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring salted water to a boil.

• Cook 12 oz rigatoni to al dente (check box instructions).

• Drain and set aside.
  Tip: Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later!

2. Brown the Sausage

• In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high.

• Add 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned, 5–7 minutes.

3. Sauté Onion & Garlic

• Stir in 1 diced small onion and 3 minced garlic cloves.

• Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

4. Build the Sauce

• Add ½ cup tomato sauce, stir to combine.

• Reduce heat to medium-low.

• Pour in ½ cup heavy cream, simmer gently until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.

5. Combine & Serve

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.

• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

• Sausage: Use spicy Italian for heat or mild if you prefer. Chicken sausage is lighter but still flavorful.

• Cream: Sub with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk + a dash of flour for a lower-fat option.

• Tomato Sauce: Use a clean-label marinara or even crushed tomatoes for more texture.

• Pasta: Penne or shells work just as well if you don’t have rigatoni.

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Try These Twists:

• Spicy Sausage Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes and double the Parmesan.

• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

• Smoky Touch: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika for depth.

Serve With:

• Crisp Caesar or arugula salad

• Roasted garlic broccoli

• Whole grain rolls or W-W flatbread

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Freezer:

• This freezes beautifully! Store in single-serve portions for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Make-Ahead:

• Brown sausage and prep sauce a day ahead—just boil pasta fresh for best texture.

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

W-W Smart Swaps:

• Use chicken or turkey sausage

• Substitute heavy cream with light half-and-half

• Choose whole-wheat or chickpea pasta

• Reduce Parmesan to 2 Tbsp

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I use plant-based sausage?
A: Yes! Many meatless sausages cook similarly and soak up the flavor beautifully.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage is gluten-free.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely—portion into containers and store in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go meals.

Q: What wine pairs well with this?
A: A dry red like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio both complement the creaminess perfectly.

IX. Kristy’s Note

This one is a weeknight staple in my house. It’s bold, cozy, and easy to customize for any diet or preference. My kids devour it, and I love how simple it is to make W-W smart. The sausage gives you tons of flavor, and the creamy tomato sauce? Pure pasta bliss.💛

X. More Easy W-W Comfort Dishes

• 🍲 W-W Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• 🌿 Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Rigatoni Bake

• 🍗 One-Pot Tuscan Chicken & Orzo

• 🧄 Garlic Mushroom Cream Pasta (Lightened-Up)

XI. Call to Action

Whip up this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni and let me know what you think! 🍝 Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram, drop a comment, or leave a review below. Your feedback keeps the comfort-food creativity flowing! 💬