Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)

Looking for a quick and creamy pasta dish that’s both comforting and delicious? Look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, a one-pot, 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With the savory flavors of sausage paired with rich, creamy sauce, and al dente rigatoni pasta, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that doesn’t require much effort.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves hearty pasta dishes but doesn’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. All you need is one pot, a handful of pantry staples, and about 30 minutes to create this mouthwatering meal. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making this creamy sausage rigatoni, providing tips and tricks along the way to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

What Makes This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Special?

• One-pot wonder: This recipe only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze. No need to dirty multiple pans—just cook everything in the same pot for maximum convenience.

• Quick and easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a full meal on the table. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

• Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream, sausage, and Parmesan creates a luscious, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta, giving you a creamy bite in every forkful.

• Customizable: This dish can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap the sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

• Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its comforting flavors and creamy texture. Even picky eaters will love it!

Ingredient Notes

• Rigatoni pasta: This hearty pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but you can also use penne or any other short pasta shape.

• Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey sausage.

• Heavy cream: The star of the creamy sauce. If you need a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be a little thinner.

• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan works best for this recipe. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the dish.

• Garlic and onions: These aromatics are sautéed to build flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

• Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies, use a good-quality olive oil to get a nice, golden color.

Possible Substitutions:

• Swap sausage for ground beef or chicken if you prefer a different protein.

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

• For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.

How To Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

1. Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté garlic and onions: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add pasta and broth: Return the sausage to the pot, then add the rigatoni, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 12-15 minutes.

4. Make the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.

5. Serve and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley (optional).

Tip: Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Storage Options

• Room temperature storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

• Reheating tips: When reheating, add a little extra liquid (broth or cream) to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian option: Replace the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

• Add vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Spicy sausage: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the dish for a kick.

• Cheese variations: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or asiago for a different flavor profile.

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for turkey sausage for a leaner meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and pasta mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop and add the cream and cheese when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the rigatoni for any short pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan to thicken the sauce.

4. Can I use a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy version of this dish.

5. How do I know when the pasta is cooked?
Check the pasta for doneness by tasting it. It should be tender but still firm to the bite. If it’s undercooked, simmer for a few more minutes, adding a bit more broth if necessary.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect go-to meal when you need something delicious, quick, and easy. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can enjoy a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is a surefire hit. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results with us!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)

• Author: Sofia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Cook sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until softened.

3. Add sausage, pasta, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is al dente.

4. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

---

---

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g