Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe

There is nothing quite like the comforting hug of pasta, especially when it’s transformed into a rich, satisfying dinner that comes together in just one pan. This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe blends savory Italian sausage with luscious tomato sauce and creamy heavy cream, all tossed with tender rigatoni and fresh spinach. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weekday meal that feels way more special than your average pasta dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Simple yet bold, these staples come together seamlessly to create that luxurious sauce and satisfying bite.

• Olive oil: Provides a fragrant, smooth foundation to sauté the sausage and garlic.
• Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth with a perfect hint of spice and herbs.
• Rigatoni: The tubular pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth: Introduces gentle umami and moisture to meld the sauce components.
• Heavy cream: Makes the dish luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herbaceous notes to enhance the sausage and sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Balances creaminess with tangy, rich tomato flavor.
• Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious boost with gentle earthiness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, making sure every flavor stands out.
• Red pepper flakes: Kick up the heat just enough for a subtle, lingering warmth.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the edges—this builds layers of flavor you can’t skip. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.

Step 2: Add Rigatoni and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked rigatoni, followed by the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce. Stir everything to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to capture any browned bits; they add incredible depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rigatoni is tender and creamy and the sauce has thickened to perfection.

Step 4: Add Fresh Spinach and Finish

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce, adding a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast. Give everything one last taste to adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for a salty, nutty finish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds bright herbal notes and a cheerful green touch. If you love heat, some extra red pepper flakes on top never hurt.

Side Dishes

Since this is a hearty meal in itself, I recommend pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also an absolute winner, perfect for mopping up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the dish in individual shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce nestled around the rigatoni. Add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze on top to elevate the look and flavor. A side of roasted cherry tomatoes can bring an extra burst of sweetness and vibrant color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back creaminess and loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to warm evenly without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, penne, ziti, or even farfalle work wonderfully as well, depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, opt for coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and skip cheese garnishes or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit entirely if you prefer no heat.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

Nope! This one-pan recipe is designed so the rigatoni cooks right in the sauce, soaking up maximum flavor while saving you time and dirty dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe is genuinely one of those meals you’ll want to make again and again. It hits the perfect balance of simple preparation and restaurant-quality flavor that welcomes everyone to the table with warmth and satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love.

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