Creamy Rigatoni with Italian Sausage
A comforting dish that combines rich, creamy sauce with hearty Italian sausage and al dente pasta, perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Carnivore
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rigatoni in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it’s translucent, stirring frequently. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Brown the Sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet, cooking it until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to break it up for even cooking.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors. Season with red chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat slightly and gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates fully into the sauce. If it’s too thick, use your reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Ensure all the noodles are well covered.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and sprinkle more Parmesan on top. Finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and aromatic flavor.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the sauce. Use fresh basil for the best flavor.