One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Looking for a quick, delicious, and comforting pasta dish? This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is packed with Italian sausage, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and tender rigatoni, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes, and tastes like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this creamy, flavor-packed meal will surely impress!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan simplicity Fewer dishes, less mess!
Ready in 30 minutes A great choice for weeknight dinners.
Restaurant-quality flavor Rich, creamy, and satisfying.
Customizable Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Kid-friendly A meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients For One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

1 tbsp olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled (mild or spicy)
8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
15 oz tomato sauce (or marinara)
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

First, heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Then, add crumbled Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully browned. After that, drain excess grease.

2. Add Rigatoni & Liquid Ingredients

To the same pan, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well.

One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Step by srep

3. Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked

Now, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Cover with a lid, and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Meanwhile, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add the Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.

5. Season & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Swap Try penne, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta.
Make it Spicier Use spicy sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Dairy-Free Option Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
Vegetarian Version Use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?

Yes! While rigatoni is great for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just be mindful that different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments in cooking time to achieve the perfect texture.

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is ideal because of its seasoning. However, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a different twist. Choose a sausage that complements the creamy tomato sauce for a well-balanced flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

To avoid pasta sticking, stir frequently while the pasta cooks in the sauce. The combination of broth and cream should keep it from sticking, but if needed, you can add a little extra liquid to loosen things up. Furthermore, using a high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet can also help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Can I make this a vegetarian dish?

Absolutely! You can swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. The flavors will still be rich and creamy. Additionally, adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes can further enhance the dish.

Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the spice level?

The spice level depends on the type of sausage you use and whether you add red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, for more heat, opt for spicy sausage and increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your creamy sausage rigatoni with these delicious sides for a complete meal:

Garlic Bread Perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce.
Fresh Green Salad A light arugula or spinach salad balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Wine Pairing A crisp white wine or a light red complements the dish beautifully.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes

If you love this creamy sausage rigatoni, check out these related recipes:

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – Quick & Cozy Dinner

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni – Easy & Delicious

Try This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Tonight!

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy one-pot meal! If you try this creamy sausage rigatoni with spinach, let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin in Pinterest this recipe for later!