Description
Classic creamy sausage rigatoni delivers hearty Italian comfort in each delectable bite. Rich pasta combines spicy sausage with silky sauce, promising pure satisfaction for lovers of robust Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and crumble sausage, cooking until deep golden brown and fully rendered.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce diced onions, sautéing until translucent and softened, then add minced garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a rich, silky base. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly reduce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Introduce cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each pasta tube is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, offering a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
Notes
- Customize sausage choice by using mild or spicy Italian sausage to match your heat preference.
- Remove sausage casings before cooking for smoother texture and easier crumbling.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
- Fresh herbs like basil can replace parsley for a different aromatic profile.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg