Imagine the perfect weeknight meal: a hearty, creamy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
That’s exactly what this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni delivers! Packed with bold Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and luscious heavy cream, this one-skillet recipe feels like a luxurious indulgence without the hassle.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy pasta dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes!
One Pan: Minimal cleanup for busy nights.
Comforting & Satisfying: A rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of rigatoni.

Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Family-Friendly: Savory, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

1 tablespoon olive oil
15 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, crumbled)
8 oz rigatoni pasta (uncooked)

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
15 oz tomato sauce (or marinara)
5 oz fresh spinach

Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

1. Cook the Sausage

In a large, high-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light and creamy.

2. Add Pasta and Liquids

To the same skillet, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and coat the pasta.

3. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed the creamy tomato flavors.

4. Stir in Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. (Alternatively, turn off the heat, cover, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.)

5. Final Touches

If you’d like a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Dish it up hot, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal!

Tips for Success

Pasta Options: Rigatoni is ideal, but penne or ziti also work well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which won’t catch the sauce as nicely.

Heat Level: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra richness.

Thicker Sauce: Use slightly less chicken broth or simmer uncovered to achieve a thicker, creamier sauce.

Serving Suggestions

With Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf to mop up the sauce.

Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir complements the savory, creamy flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate once thawed.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

✔️ One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet for ultimate convenience.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Feels indulgent yet easy enough for any night of the week.
✔️ Perfectly Balanced: Savory sausage, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and fresh spinach create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is the perfect weeknight solution: easy, cozy, and guaranteed to impress.
Save this recipe now — your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!