Creamy Sausage Rigatoni: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
A rich, comforting pasta dish with Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 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