Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting 30-minute dinner made with tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato cream sauce—all cooked in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy rigatoni recipe is hearty, satisfying, and packed with bold Italian flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
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In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
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Add uncooked rigatoni and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and veggies.
- Smoked sausage or plant-based sausage also work well as alternatives.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
