Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich heavy cream, and fresh spinach. This delightful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a luxurious flavor experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its vibrant colors and creamy texture, it’s not just a meal—it’s a culinary celebration that brings friends and family together around the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring well, and let simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes), then mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Gently fold in cooked rigatoni, ensuring even coating with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For variation, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. To maintain creaminess when reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk.