Are you craving a comforting pasta dish with layers of rich, savory flavors and a silky, creamy finish? Look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. It’s a meal that brings together the umami of Italian sausage, the brightness of fresh spinach, and the soothing warmth of tomato sauce. Best of all, it’s ready in just 35 minutes and can be whipped up in a single pan!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
- 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 (like pasta sauce or marinara)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Directions:
- Sauté the Sausage:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet with the sausage.
- Bring to a boil on medium heat, then cover and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach:
- Once the pasta is cooked, fold in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the leaves are wilted.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove from heat. Season with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Divide into bowls and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!
Time & Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 780 kcal per serving
Pro Tip: To take it up a notch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. The salty bite will balance the creaminess perfectly!
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a perfect weekday meal. The combination of sausage, garlic, and tomato sauce creates a savory base that’s lightened up by fresh spinach. Make this recipe your own by adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swapping in kale for the spinach. Enjoy!
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the smooth texture of heavy cream and tangy tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Fresh spinach adds a splash of color and a nutritional boost, making this dish both appealing and nourishing.This recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy and creamy elements, making it a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to please a crowd or just a special meal for two.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
15 oz tomato sauce (such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara)
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet.
Add crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, until it is cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet.
Bring to a boil on medium heat, then cover and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-4 minutes.
Remove from heat. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes