Description
Experience the warmth and hearty comfort of the Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight. This delicious dish combines savory sweet Italian sausage with the creamy richness of Parmesan-enhanced sauce and fresh greens of spinach, all perfectly balanced with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal on any day of the week, this pasta dish promises to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet ground Italian sausage
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups Half and Half
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the 8 ounces of rigatoni according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. Ensure to also drain the diced tomatoes well.
Step 2: Cook Sausage and Onion
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pound of sweet ground Italian sausage and one chopped onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and onions are translucent. Once cooked, transfer the sausage mixture to a plate.
Step 3: Adding Garlic and Making the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the two minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, pour in 1 ½ cups of Half and Half and ½ cup of chicken stock along with ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and reduce the heat, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
To the skillet, add the ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, the drained chopped tomatoes, and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned sausage and onions to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Stir everything together thoroughly ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little chicken stock or water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Do not freeze as the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight is a wonderfully satisfying dish that combines simple, flavorful ingredients into a sumptuous feast. This recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of creamy pasta and tender sausage, with just the right touch of spices and greens. Whether serving it up for a family meal or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish is sure to bring comfort and delight to your dining table.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 people 1x
Description
Experience the warmth and hearty comfort of the Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Delight. This delicious dish combines savory sweet Italian sausage with the creamy richness of Parmesan-enhanced sauce and fresh greens of spinach, all perfectly balanced with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal on any day of the week, this pasta dish promises to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet ground Italian sausage
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups Half and Half
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Cook the 8 ounces of rigatoni according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. Ensure to also drain the diced tomatoes well.
- Step 2: Cook Sausage and Onion In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pound of sweet ground Italian sausage and one chopped onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and onions are translucent. Once cooked, transfer the sausage mixture to a plate.
- Step 3: Adding Garlic and Making the Sauce Using the same skillet, add the two minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, pour in 1 ½ cups of Half and Half and ½ cup of chicken stock along with ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and reduce the heat, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients To the skillet, add the ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, the drained chopped tomatoes, and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted.
- Step 5: Combine and Simmer Return the browned sausage and onions to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Stir everything together thoroughly ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes