Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty 30 mins pasta dinner with Italian sausage, rigatoni, spinach, garlic, and tomato cream sauce. The pasta cooks right in the skillet, soaking up chicken broth, cream, and marinara for a rich, cozy meal that works beautifully for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
- 8 oz uncooked rigatoni
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 oz tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large high sided skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked.
- Drain the pan: Spoon off any excess grease or liquid so the sauce stays creamy instead of oily.
- Add the pasta and sauce: Stir in the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce until everything is evenly combined.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the rigatoni is al dente and the sauce is bubbling and creamy.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach and stir over medium heat for about 2 minutes, just until softened. You can also turn off the heat, cover the skillet, and let it wilt for about 4 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the pasta sit for a minute or two if you want the sauce a little thicker.
Notes
- Use penne, ziti, fusilli, or farfalle if you do not have rigatoni.
- For more heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid walking away while the pasta simmers because one pan pasta needs stirring so it cooks evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 825 kcal
Keywords: sausage rigatoni