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Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

A comforting dish featuring rigatoni pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce with zesty Italian sausage, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta The perfect vessel for the creamy sauce.
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Choose sweet, spicy, or mild.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a luscious, creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds a nutty flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Brings aromatic depth.
  • 2 cups Spinach, fresh Adds vibrant color and nutrition.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes, optional For a hint of heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
  4. Slowly add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted and vibrant.
  5. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option. Swap heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.