Creamy sausage rigatoni pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich and creamy sauce made from Italian sausage, onion, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under an hour and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Serving size and preparation time:

Serving size: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it come to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
10. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Seasoning options:

Here are some seasoning ideas to add extra flavor to your creamy sausage rigatoni pasta:

1. Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can be added to the sauce for a fresh, herbal flavor.
3. Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can add a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
4. Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
5. White wine: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream for a mild, winey flavor.
6. Dijon mustard: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the sauce for a tangy and slightly sharp flavor.
7. Sun-dried tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.

Experiment with these seasonings to find your favorite combination, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Creamy sausage rigatoni pasta can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and can be garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. This dish is also a great way to use up any leftover Italian sausage that you may have, making it a convenient and economical meal option. So, whether you’re in the mood for a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty and filling pasta dish, this creamy sausage rigatoni pasta is sure to satisfy!