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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

A close-up of a bowl filled with Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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A rich and creamy rigatoni pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  2. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Stir the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the tomato sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute Italian sausage with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni/