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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni That Warms Hearts in 30 Minutes

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni ready in 30 minutes to soothe your hunger and bring comfort with every bite

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (remove casings, either sweet or spicy based on your preference)
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    • Instructions

  • Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a vigorous boil, then add the rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions—usually about 11 minutes for al dente. Drain, but save 1 cup of pasta water before tossing the rigatoni aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside but leave the flavorful drippings.
  • In the same skillet, add diced onion. Stir occasionally and cook until softened and slightly golden, around 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute—watch closely so it doesn't burn.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything well. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 8 minutes to marry the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until your sauce turns silky. Mix in half the Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water just until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  • Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet. Mix well so every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Plate your rigatoni and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and fresh herbs on top. The fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish in the best way.

    • Notes

    If you love pasta dishes that feel cozy and vibrant, you’re going to be hooked on this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe. It blends simple ingredients to create a rich, savory bite of Italian sausage mingling with a luscious, creamy tomato sauce over rigatoni pasta. This recipe brings bold flavor and easy prep with zero fuss, perfect for a comforting meal.

    Find it online: https://www.theworstme.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-30-minutes/