Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta (about ¾ lb); 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight dinner hero: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. This dish is rich, hearty, and bursting with savory goodness, thanks to a luscious cream sauce that hugs every twist of pasta and juicy bits of sausage.

It's the very best answer to "What's for dinner?" when you want big Italian flavors fast. Imagine smoky, seared sausage mingled with onions, garlic, and a touch of tomato, all simmered together with al dente rigatoni-comfort food at its dreamiest!

This one-pot wonder is a must-try for busy nights. In just 30 minutes and one pot, you'll have a family-friendly dinner that feels like something from your favorite cozy trattoria. It's been a cherished favorite in my kitchen for years!

One-pot creamy sausage rigatoni in a skillet, garnished with parmesan and fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food with bold, comforting Italian flavors
One-pot magic keeps cleanup minimal and stress-free
Ready in just 30 minutes from prep to plate
Crowd-pleaser that's kid-friendly and grownup-approved

Key Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

This is the backbone of the dish, giving that irresistible savory, slightly spicy punch. Mild or spicy sausage both work-choose your favorite based on heat preference. Remove the casings if using links for best texture. You can also swap in chicken sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian twist!

Rigatoni Pasta

Rigatoni's ridges and tube shape are perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce. Any short pasta like penne or ziti can be used if rigatoni isn't handy, but the texture won't be quite as delightful.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates an ultra-rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta and sausage beautifully. For a lighter option, try half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Crushed Tomatoes

A touch of tomato balances the richness of the cream and adds depth. Choose high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor, or substitute with tomato sauce or passata in a pinch.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish. Pre-grated works in a hurry, but nothing beats grating your own! If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano is a great choice.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal) cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal)

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion to the same pan and cook for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and rigatoni. Stir well to combine. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce to a lively simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the sauce is rich, creamy, and has thickened-about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy sausage rigatoni into bowls. Finish with extra Parmesan, and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Lighten It Up

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you want a lighter sauce. You'll still get a creamy texture-just a bit less rich (and lower in calories).

Make It Veggie

Want a meatless version? Use plant-based Italian sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You'll get all the flavor, minus the meat.

Spice It Up

Love heat? Opt for hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives the sauce an extra kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free varieties may take a little less (or more) time to cook than regular rigatoni.

Extra-Cheesy

Boost the cheesy factor by stirring in shredded mozzarella or fontina right before serving! It melts perfectly into the sauce for gooey, creamy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy sausage rigatoni is a satisfying main all on its own, but it sings with a fresh green salad (think arugula or Caesar), crusty garlic bread for scooping up extra sauce, or steamed broccoli on the side. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or a handful of chopped basil for an eye-catching finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop. This pasta dish isn't ideal for freezing, as the creamy sauce can separate, but it will still taste great if you must-just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pot, 30-Minute Meal) (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even farfalle all work well. Just watch the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Q: Will turkey sausage or chicken sausage work instead of pork?

A: Yes, both are delicious and lighter alternatives. Just be sure to use fully cooked varieties, or adjust browning time accordingly.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?

A: Use an unsweetened dairy-free cream (such as cashew or coconut cream) and a non-dairy Parmesan-style cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but still creamy and flavorful.

There you have it-Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the ultimate combination of easy prep, minimal cleanup, and pure, bold comfort. Try it, savor every creamy bite, and let me know how your family liked it! Don't forget to leave a comment or rating below-I love hearing from you!