Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz rigatoni pasta; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This creamy Italian sausage rigatoni is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in no time. With the richness of sausage, tang of tomatoes, and smooth cheesy sauce coating every bite of pasta, it’s the kind of comforting meal your whole family will love. Perfect for those evenings when you need something both easy and satisfying, this dish fits right into your rotation of easy recipes for dinner. It’s also a great fit for anyone who’s into quick and easy recipes, cheesy flavors, or one-pot pasta dinners. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re after something simple after work, a pasta lover, or just craving that warm, cozy feeling a dish like this delivers — you’ve found your go-to!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
4) How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
5) Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
6) Making Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
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10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This easy rigatoni recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with Italian flavor.
It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Made with sausage, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Great for meal prep and leftovers store well in the fridge.

2) Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

This creamy Italian sausage rigatoni is the kind of comforting dish that becomes an instant family favorite. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this easy dinner recipe offers both convenience and rich flavor. As one of the best easy recipes for dinner, it brings together juicy sausage, tangy crushed tomatoes, rich Parmesan, and a splash of heavy cream to make every bite satisfying.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon of this pantry staple gets your sausage nice and crispy and helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection. It’s the base for building deep flavor in your skillet dinner.

Italian Sausage: This recipe calls for one pound of Italian sausage with the casings removed. Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference. It brings a savory, meaty bite to the creamy pasta sauce.

Onion: One small onion, diced, adds sweetness and depth. Sautéing it with the sausage helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Garlic: Three cloves of garlic, minced, are key to that warm, aromatic Italian flavor. Be sure to sauté it just briefly to prevent bitterness.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended, they add a touch of heat that cuts through the creaminess for extra balance and complexity.

Italian Seasoning: Half a teaspoon adds a beautiful blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the dish’s rustic profile.

Salt and Pepper: Just enough to season the sauce and bring out the best in the sausage, tomatoes, and cream.

Crushed Tomatoes: A 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes adds body and a slight tang to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.

Heavy Cream: This is the ingredient that makes the sauce luscious and indulgent. The dairy smooths out the acidity from the tomatoes beautifully.

Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan adds saltiness, nuttiness, and depth. It’s the finishing touch that pulls the whole dish together.

Rigatoni Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta is perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce. Its ridges hold flavor in every bite.

Fresh Parsley: Optional for garnish, it adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.

4) How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Make sure not to overcook, as al dente pasta holds its shape better in creamy sauces. It’s also a key element in maintaining the texture of your easy recipes for dinner, ensuring that each bite is firm yet tender. A drizzle of olive oil can prevent sticking while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. This step builds the savory base of your dish, making it ideal for quick and easy recipes. As the sausage cooks, its fats blend with the oil, enriching the sauce that’s to come.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let them cook together for a minute to infuse the oil with flavor. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away! This aromatic blend is essential in transforming your easy weeknight meals into something that smells like it’s straight out of an Italian kitchen.

Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 8–10 minutes. The tomatoes should reduce slightly, thickening the sauce and concentrating the flavor. This balance between acidity and seasoning is the heart of any great sauce-based dinner idea.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and everything is well incorporated. This is when your sauce goes from tomato-based to rich and velvety. It’s a key moment in many bread easy recipes too when contrasting textures matter.

Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss it until every piece is coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor. This final step ensures all the ingredients work together harmoniously to make one of the most comforting sweet easy recipes when paired with a light dessert.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Always cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta turns mushy quickly and doesn’t hold up well when mixed with thick sauces. If you’re short on time, try prepping the sausage and onions ahead of time. This recipe is also a great opportunity to experiment with different pasta types if rigatoni isn’t on hand—penne and ziti work well too. To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though you’ll sacrifice some richness. Want to make it even more flavorful?

6) Making Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Ahead of Time

This easy recipe for dinner is perfect for meal prepping! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook your pasta fresh and reheat the sauce over low heat. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking. If you’re hosting or cooking for a crowd, doubling the recipe is simple and reheats beautifully. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until serving for the best texture and presentation.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. This dish also freezes well, though the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze portions in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags and label with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

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