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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food — tender pasta, juicy sausage, and a rich tomato cream sauce all come together in one skillet. Finished with melty mozzarella and fresh parsley, it’s a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or hearty Sunday dinners.


Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional: 1/2 cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, then remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with some of the sausage drippings. Sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Add heavy cream and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Reduce heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan. Let the cheese melt, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.

6. Return sausage to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the tomato paste.

Mild sausage is great for kids, but spicy sausage adds a bold kick for adult palates.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg