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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni (Easy Comfort Pasta)

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a silky cream sauce with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and Parmesan. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-Inspired

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Brown the Sausage
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
  5. Build the Flavor Base
  6. In the same skillet, add butter and onion. Cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  7. Make the Cream Sauce
  8. Pour in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
  9. Combine
  10. Return sausage to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed.
  11. Finish
  12. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Serve
  14. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is one of those dishes that feels instantly familiar yet deeply satisfying every time you make it. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—exactly what you want when you’re craving a cozy pasta dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

What truly makes this recipe shine is how well the flavors work together. The savory sausage brings boldness and depth, the cream sauce adds smooth richness, and the rigatoni captures everything perfectly. Every forkful feels balanced and indulgent without being overwhelming.

This is also a recipe built for real life. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to different tastes and ingredients. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with vegetables and spice, the result is always satisfying.

Beyond its practicality, there’s something deeply comforting about this dish. It’s warm, filling, and familiar in the best way—exactly the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them there a little longer. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that’s creamy, hearty, and guaranteed to please, this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and pure comfort—this is pasta done right 🍝✨