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Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


  • Author: Harper Callahan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

A rich, comforting pasta dish with Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach—ready in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 15 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, crumbled)
  • 8 oz rigatoni (uncooked)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence)
  • 15 oz tomato sauce (or marinara)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add crumbled sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Combine Ingredients

  • To the same skillet, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well.

3. Simmer & Cook Pasta

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.

4. Add Spinach

  • Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

5. Adjust Consistency

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes.

6. Season & Serve

  • Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan.

Notes

✔ Pasta Swap: Rigatoni holds sauce best, but penne or ziti work too.
✔ Spice Level: Use spicy sausage & extra red pepper flakes for heat.
✔ Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
✔ Extra Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan at the end.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650 Per Serving
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 22g