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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

Print Recipe
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.