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Indulgent Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

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A comforting, creamy Italian pasta dish featuring rigatoni and spicy Italian sausage, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) canned fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
  3. Add the Sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and add red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Add reserved pasta water if necessary.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat.
  7. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning as needed, plate, and garnish with extra cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. You can also swap Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage, rigatoni, creamy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://platefulkitchen.com/creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-weeknight-comfort/