Description
This creamy sausage rigatoni is a cozy, one-pot pasta dinner bursting with bold, savory flavors and creamy comfort. Made with hearty Italian sausage, tender rigatoni, and a smooth tomato cream sauce, it’s a weeknight dream that comes together quickly. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while garlic and herbs round out the depth of flavor. It’s the perfect blend of richness and simplicity no complicated prep, just pure comfort food.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
Sauce & Seasonings
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
15 oz tomato sauce (such as pasta sauce or marinara)
Salt, to taste
Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Vegetables
5 oz fresh spinach
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. -
Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. -
Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked rigatoni. Cover the skillet partially with a lid and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Add a splash more broth or water if the sauce reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked. -
Add the Spinach
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. -
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- One-Pot Wonder: This dish cooks entirely in one skillet less mess and more flavor as the pasta absorbs all the savory richness.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Swap the Greens: Kale or arugula can substitute for spinach if desired.
- Finish with Cheese: Optional but recommended top with freshly grated Parmesan before serving for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy sausage rigatoni, one pot pasta, sausage pasta, tomato cream sauce