Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing and crumbled
• 2 tsp Water
• 1 Jar Pasta Sauce with basil and garlic (or any preferred pasta sauce)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream
• 1 lb Rigatoni, cooked
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepot, crumble the Italian sausage and add 2 teaspoons of water. Cook the sausage over low heat for about 20 minutes or until it is fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the pasta sauce to the cooked sausage in the saucepot. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, which will add a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
4. Serve the pasta sauce over the cooked rigatoni, coating the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
5. Top the dish with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, adding a delicious finishing touch to the meal.

Enjoy your delectable Rigatoni with Italian Sausage Pasta in a creamy and savory sauce!

Here are some delightful variations to try:

1. Spicy Arrabbiata: Use a spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce instead of the regular pasta sauce to give the dish a fiery kick. Add red pepper flakes and sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra heat and flavor.
2. Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms and fresh baby spinach with the Italian sausage. Stir in a creamy Alfredo sauce or a garlic butter sauce and toss with the rigatoni for a hearty and flavorful pasta.
3. Tomato Basil Mozzarella: Toss the cooked rigatoni and Italian sausage with a simple tomato basil sauce. Add fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves for a Caprese-inspired twist.
4. Creamy Tomato Vodka Sauce: Make a creamy tomato vodka sauce by adding a splash of vodka, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes to the Italian sausage. Serve the sauce over the rigatoni for a rich and indulgent pasta dish.
5. Pesto Sausage Pasta: Stir in pesto sauce with the cooked rigatoni and Italian sausage. Add sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired pasta.
6. Garlic and Lemon: Sauté the Italian sausage with garlic and lemon zest. Toss with cooked rigatoni, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for a zesty and light pasta dish.
7. Broccoli Rabe and White Beans: Sauté broccoli rabe with garlic and red pepper flakes. Add cooked white beans and Italian sausage to the mix. Toss with rigatoni and finish with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
8. Kale and Butternut Squash: Sauté chopped kale and roasted butternut squash with the Italian sausage. Toss with rigatoni and a sage brown butter sauce for a flavorful and comforting pasta.
9. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cooked rigatoni and Italian sausage. Add caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and crumbled goat cheese for a tangy and savory pasta.
10. Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce: Make a creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream. Toss with rigatoni and Italian sausage and garnish with chopped fresh basil.
11. Greek-inspired Pasta: Sauté Italian sausage with garlic and onions, then add Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the mix. Toss with rigatoni and sprinkle with fresh oregano.
12. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke: Prepare a creamy spinach and artichoke sauce with cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic. Toss the rigatoni and Italian sausage in the sauce and garnish with grated Parmesan.