Can I make this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

If you prefer a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tempeh or mushrooms work wonderfully in this Italian sausage rigatoni pasta .

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, use spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also toss in diced jalapeños for an extra kick in your spicy creamy sausage pasta .

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

What sides pair well with Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A glass of red wine also complements the rich flavors of the tomato cream sauce rigatoni .

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (Easy One-Pot Dinner)

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for creamy sausage rigatoni, perfect for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled)
8 oz rigatoni (uncooked)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
15 oz tomato sauce
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the uncooked rigatoni and chicken broth to the skillet.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, cooking until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the heavy cream, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and spinach.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy sausage rigatoni!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by choosing sweet or spicy sausage.
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
This dish can be made in one pot for easy cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian