Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Shredded Parmesan cheese

Print Recipe·4 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug from Italy, you have to try this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce made with Italian sausage, garlic, fresh basil, and just the right touch of cream. Every bite is bursting with savory goodness and hints of fresh herbs, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you dive into this dish, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of raw ground meat shaped in a rectangular block on a white round plate, surrounded by a glass bowl with white cream on the top left, a small white bowl with grated yellow cheese and mixed herbs on the top center, a bunch of fresh green basil leaves on the top right, an open can of rich red tomato sauce with the lid resting on the rim on the right side, and a white pot filled with yellow rigatoni pasta at the bottom right, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing the savory, creamy, and aromatic elements of this dish.

12 ounces rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes hold onto the sauce perfectly for every bite.
1/2 cup pasta water: A little magic that helps to thin and coat the sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and sausage, bringing subtle richness.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that awakens the whole dish.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
1 pound ground Italian sausage: The hearty, spiced star that gives amazing depth and protein.
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Creates a luscious base with a bright, natural sweetness.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy, smooth texture.
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil + more for garnish: Freshness and herbaceous vibrancy with every forkful.
Shredded Parmesan for garnish: Adds salty nuttiness and a delightful finishing touch.
Kosher salt + black pepper: Essential to season and elevate all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta

Start by cooking your rigatoni pasta according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite — tender yet firm to the tooth. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that magical pasta water before draining, as it will help create a luscious sauce that clings to every rigatoni tube.

Step 2: Sauté garlic and Italian seasoning

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil gently over medium-low heat in a large sauté pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir constantly for about 30 to 60 seconds. Be very careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as that will add unwanted bitterness instead of that beautiful aromatic lift.

Step 3: Brown the Italian sausage

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage to the fragrant garlic mixture. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and cooks through. This step is where the rich, savory backbone of the dish really develops—your kitchen will start smelling irresistible.

Step 4: Build the creamy tomato sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the heavy cream along with the fresh chopped basil. Season with a few generous pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let this lovely sauce simmer for a few minutes just until it’s warmed through and the flavors meld together into a silky, vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Return the cooked rigatoni to the pan, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help thin and loosen the sauce, making sure every rigatoni tube is evenly coated in that creamy, tomatoey goodness. Toss gently but thoroughly, creating harmony between the pasta and its luscious sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and enjoy

Before serving, sprinkle the pasta with more fresh basil and a generous grating of shredded Parmesan cheese. These finishing touches add gorgeous color, fresh herbal brightness, and a salty, nutty layer that brings everything together perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

A white pot filled halfway with a thick creamy orange tomato sauce mixed with small bits of herbs and meat, covering the bottom and left side, and a pile of short yellow rigatoni pasta sitting on top on the right side. The sauce has a smooth and slightly chunky texture with visible black pepper specks. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil and shredded Parmesan are classic garnishes that enhance this dish beautifully. You can also add a drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Serve this creamy Italian sausage rigatoni alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread is also fantastic for scooping up every last bit of the sauce on your plate. The textures and flavors in these sides add perfect contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rigatoni in individual shallow bowls with basil leaves arranged artfully on top. You can also place a small Parmesan crisp on each serving or drizzle with balsamic glaze for a fancy-savory finish that will impress guests without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag after it has cooled. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or additional cream to refresh the sauce. Microwave works too; just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to keep the texture creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridges and tube shape are perfect for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a meaty texture. Be sure to use vegetable broth or water if you make any sauce adjustments to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove and add fresh pasta or freshly cooked rigatoni to combine.

What type of Italian sausage is best for this recipe?

Sweet or mild Italian sausage works best here for a balanced flavor. If you like a bit of heat, spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful kick to the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Make sure to add the heavy cream after the sauce has slightly cooled off or when cooking at moderate heat. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously once cream is added to keep it smooth and velvety.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe enough for any occasion when you want a fuss-free, utterly delicious meal that never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and joy to your table with minimal effort but maximum flavor. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this creamy, comforting pasta—you’ll be so glad you did!