Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a restaurant-quality comfort dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender rigatoni, flavorful Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, everything cooks together in just 30 minutes for an easy, satisfying meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 854kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 oz Italian sausage crumbled
- 8 oz rigatoni 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 such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease or liquid and set the sausage aside in the skillet.
Add the Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- To the skillet with the cooked sausage, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Stir everything well to combine.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and allow the pasta to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the pasta reaches an "al dente" texture.
Add the Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts to your liking (about 2 minutes).
- Alternatively, you can remove the skillet from heat, place the spinach on top, cover with a lid, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
Adjust the Sauce and Season:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the mixture a bit longer, uncovered, to allow it to reduce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Tip: Taste the dish before adding salt, as the sausage may already be salty enough.
Serve:
- Mix everything well and serve hot. Enjoy this creamy, savory dish on its own or with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Sausage: Use mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
Pasta: Rigatoni works best, but penne or ziti can also be used. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Spinach Substitute: Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach.
Customize Heat: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Pasta: Rigatoni works best, but penne or ziti can also be used. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Spinach Substitute: Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach.
Customize Heat: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.