Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta

Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta is a hearty and delicious dish combining savory sausage with a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly coated on tender rigatoni. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of chili flakes, it balances comforting flavors with a satisfying spice.

You’ll love this pasta for its rich, flavorful sauce built directly in the pan, fresh sausage, and indulgent Parmesan cheese. The reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency, and crispy onions on top provide delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 sausages, casings removed
• Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili flakes, salt and pepper
• ¾ cup light cream
• ⅔ cup reserved pasta water (or water)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 4.5 oz rigatoni (about 1½ cups dry)
• Crispy onions (for topping)
• Reserved cooked sausage pieces (for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ⅔ cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.

2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook 3-4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

3. Add sausage meat, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove some sausage pieces for topping.

4. Stir in tomato paste and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, pepper).

5. Add half the reserved pasta water and half the cream. Reduce heat, simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring.

6. Add remaining cream and additional pasta water as needed to loosen sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.

7. Return cooked rigatoni to skillet; toss to coat evenly in sauce.

8. Plate pasta and top with reserved sausage pieces and crispy onions. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Remove sausage casings for better texture integration.

• Adjust chili flakes according to preferred spice level.

• Stir frequently to prevent sauce sticking/burning.

• Grate Parmesan fresh for best flavor and melt.

• Use crispy fried onions for satisfying crunch.

Delicious Variations

• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms.

• Substitute cream with half-and-half for lighter sauce.

• Mix in fresh basil or parsley before serving.

• Use penne or rigatoni interchangeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Italian sausage instead of regular?

Yes, Italian sausage adds extra herb and spice notes.

How to make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, prepare sauce and pasta separately; reheat before mixing.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Heat gently on stovetop or microwave with splash of broth or water.

Can this be frozen?

Freeze sauce and sausage separately; thaw before reheating.

Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta

---

• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory sausage combined with a luscious tomato cream sauce coats tender rigatoni pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes, then finished with crispy onions and Parmesan for added texture and richness—a satisfying meal for any night.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

4 sausages, casings removed

Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili flakes, salt and pepper to taste

¾ cup light cream

⅔ cup reserved pasta water (or plain water)

¼ cup grated Parmesan

4.5 oz rigatoni (about 1½ cups dry)

Crispy fried onions, for topping

Reserved cooked sausage pieces, for topping

---

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ⅔ cup pasta water; drain and set pasta aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook onion and garlic 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

3. Cook sausage: Add sausage meat, breaking up with a spoon, cooking until browned and cooked through. Remove some sausage pieces for topping.

4. Add sauce base: Stir in tomato paste and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper).

5. Make sauce: Add half the reserved pasta water and half the cream; reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes with stirring.

6. Finish sauce: Stir in remaining cream and additional pasta water as needed to loosen sauce. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.

7. Combine: Return rigatoni to sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.

8. Serve: Plate pasta and garnish with reserved sausage and crispy fried onions. Serve immediately.

See also  Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Notes

Remove sausage casings for even sauce blending.

Adjust chili flakes to your preferred heat.

Stir sauce frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.

Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 900
• Fat: 30
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Carbohydrates: 38
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 38
• Cholesterol: 110

Keywords: creamy tomato sausage pasta, rigatoni with sausage, spicy sausage pasta, one-pan sausage pasta, italian sausage dinner