Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

$- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can swap the rigatoni for penne or fusilli. If you prefer chicken, use ground chicken instead of sausage. For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. If you want to skip cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To make creamy sausage rigatoni, you need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for cooking sausage and sauce - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Colander for draining pasta - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - Knife and cutting board for chopping This list covers everything you need to create a creamy and savory dish. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta. Cook it according to the package's instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, but keep about ½ cup of the cooking water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns a nice brown color and is fully cooked. Once the sausage is ready, add a finely chopped medium onion to the skillet. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and clear. Next, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute. The smell of garlic will fill your kitchen! Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it all together. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you want some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, mix in some of the reserved pasta water. Now, add the drained rigatoni to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful dinner! To cook perfect rigatoni, start with a big pot. Use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta stay flavorful. Boil the water until it's rolling. Add the rigatoni and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Remember to save some pasta water; it’s great for adjusting your sauce later. If your sauce needs to be thicker, try these tips: - Add more cheese: Parmesan melts well and adds flavor. - Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it in. - Simmer longer: Let the sauce cook down to remove excess water. - Add more cream: This makes the sauce richer and thicker. Boost the flavor of your creamy sausage rigatoni with these ideas: - Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley adds freshness. - Lemon zest: A little zest brightens up the dish. - More spices: Consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra depth. - Red pepper flakes: If you like heat, sprinkle in some more for a spicy kick. These tips will make your creamy sausage rigatoni truly stand out! Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect flavor balance. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a kick, spicy sausage will elevate the dish. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the rigatoni until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creaminess and overall flavor of the dish. Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it out once added! {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of creamy rigatoni. Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Use the same spices and cooking steps. This way, you keep the rich flavor without meat. You can also try adding lentils for extra protein. Rigatoni is great, but other pasta shapes work well too. Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle are good choices. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding fun to your meal. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer. You can boost your creamy rigatoni by adding veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutrients. Cook them with the sausage for a full meal. If you want more protein, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. These options make the dish even more filling and tasty. To keep your creamy sausage rigatoni fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it’s warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze your creamy sausage rigatoni, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can! Feel free to swap Italian sausage for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage. Each type will give a different flavor. Chicken sausage adds a lighter taste, while spicy sausage gives a kick. The key is to find a sausage you love. This will still keep the dish rich and tasty. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Choose a dairy-free cheese for the topping if you want. The dish will still be creamy and delicious! Creamy Sausage Rigatoni pairs well with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. Garlic bread is another great side. It helps to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Enjoy these sides with your meal! This blog post shared how to make a delicious creamy sausage rigatoni. We looked at essential ingredients and tools needed to start. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta and the sauce. I shared tips to enhance flavors and ensure a creamy texture. You can try different variations or save leftovers for later. Now, you’re ready to impress with this dish, whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own flavors!$

Savor the rich flavors of creamy sausage rigatoni with this easy pasta dinner recipe! This skillet rigatoni recipe features Italian sausage, rigatoni with heavy cream, and fresh spinach for a weeknight meal that's both indulgent and quick to prepare. Perfect for any pasta lover, this dish will delight your family and friends. Ready to spice up your dinner? Save this creamy sausage rigatoni recipe today! #PastaRecipes #DinnerIdeas #ItalianFood #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy based on your heat preference)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.

Brown the Sausage: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the Italian sausage, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through.

Sauté Aromatics: Introduce the finely chopped onion into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and soft. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until you can smell the fragrant aroma of the garlic.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine it with the sausage and onion mixture. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a rich, creamy sauce.

Add Greens and Season: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and dried oregano, along with the optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. If the sauce appears too thick, add spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.

Combine with Pasta: Add the drained rigatoni to the creamy sausage sauce, gently tossing to ensure that every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce.

Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the creamy sausage rigatoni and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in wide pasta bowls for an elegant look, and drizzle a touch of olive oil on top before garnishing with basil for a bright and appealing finish. Enjoy your delightful meal!