Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe Perfect for Dinner

Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on October 27, 2025

creamy Italian sausage rigatoni - featured image

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction

The smell of sizzling Italian sausage and garlic wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. That’s exactly what happens every time I whip up this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe—my whole family comes rushing to the table before I even call them. This dish is rich, comforting, and loaded with bold flavors that will have you going back for seconds, maybe even thirds!

This recipe came to life during a busy weeknight when I was craving something indulgent yet easy to make. With a pack of Italian sausage and some rigatoni sitting in my pantry, I decided to experiment—and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the hearty sausage and tender pasta, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.

What I love about this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or feeding a hungry family, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping since the leftovers taste just as good the next day. If you’re looking for a new dinner staple, I promise this one won’t disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce, combined with the flavorful Italian sausage, creates an irresistible dish that satisfies every craving.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavors. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Simple Ingredients: No need for a special trip to the store—most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find.
Customizable: You can adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences.
Perfect for Entertaining: Serve it at dinner parties or gatherings, and watch your guests rave about your cooking skills.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni stands out from other pasta recipes because of its luscious, velvety sauce infused with garlic, onion, and herbs. The blend of cream and cheese creates a decadent texture, while the sausage adds a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Believe me, this is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with that first bite—pure bliss!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully to create a creamy and satisfying pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rigatoni pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto that creamy sauce.
Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference, casings removed.
Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Onion: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced to add a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety texture.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty, cheesy goodness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a pleasant heat if you love a little spice.
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped for a burst of freshness.
Salt and pepper: To season the dish perfectly.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. You can easily adapt the recipe—swap the heavy cream for a lighter option or try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility!

Equipment Needed

Large pot: For boiling the rigatoni.
Large skillet: To sauté the sausage and make the creamy sauce.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pans.
Knife: A sharp knife for dicing the onion and chopping the garlic.
Cutting board: Makes prep work easier.
Colander: For draining the pasta.

No fancy gadgets required for this recipe, but if you have a pasta pot with a built-in strainer, it can save you a little time. And don’t forget to keep your knives sharp—it makes chopping a breeze!

Preparation Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it’s well combined with the broth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy sauce.
Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
Top with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni turn out perfect every single time:

Cook the pasta al dente: This ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when coated in the sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water: The reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the rigatoni.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan will give you that creamy texture.
Adjust spices to taste: If you’re not sure about the spice level, start with less crushed red pepper and add more if you want extra heat.
Don’t rush the sauce: Letting the cream and cheese blend together slowly ensures a silky, rich texture without curdling.

And here’s a pro tip: If you want to make this recipe even faster, you can cook the sausage and make the sauce while the pasta is boiling. It’s all about multitasking!

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian version: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free rigatoni or any preferred gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
Add veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based alternative like cashew cream for a lighter option.
Change up the protein: Use ground chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner twist.

One of my favorite variations is swapping the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo—it adds a smoky flair that’s absolutely delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni hot and fresh, topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. A crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon is the perfect beverage to complement the rich flavors.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta, then warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—this will keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out. Although freezing this dish is possible, fresh cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, so I recommend enjoying it fresh whenever possible!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is definitely indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits:

Protein-packed: The Italian sausage provides a hearty dose of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
Calcium-rich: Parmesan cheese and cream add a boost of calcium for strong bones.
Customizable for dietary needs: With easy swaps, this dish can be made gluten-free, vegetarian, or even lower in fat.

Each serving of this rigatoni contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the specific brands used and portion size. If you’re watching your intake, you can easily adjust the amount of cream and cheese or opt for lighter alternatives.

Conclusion

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. With its rich, creamy sauce and bold, savory flavors, it’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel extra special without taking hours to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Add your favorite veggies, switch up the sausage, or experiment with different seasonings. That’s the beauty of cooking—it’s all about personalizing it to suit your taste.

I’d love to hear how your rigatoni turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know if you made any fun tweaks or how much your family loved it. Let’s keep the pasta love going—happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for catching the creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or even farfalle would work just as well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this dish less rich?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to make the sauce lighter.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the leftover pasta and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage works fine! Just slice it and heat it in the skillet before making the sauce.

Pin This Recipe!