Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, this easy dish comes together in just 30 minutes — all in one pan! Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, making this a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
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
- Heat the 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 leave the sausage in the skillet.
- To the skillet with the cooked sausage, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 2 minutes). Alternatively, remove the skillet from heat, cover with a lid, and let the spinach wilt for about 4 minutes using residual heat.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, cook the mixture uncovered for a few additional minutes to allow it to reduce.
- Remove from heat and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste before adding salt, as the sausage may already be salty enough.
- Stir everything well and serve hot. Enjoy on its own or with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Sausage Options: Use mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
Pasta Substitutes: Rigatoni works best, but penne or ziti can be used. Adjust cooking time if needed.
Greens Substitute: Kale or arugula can replace the spinach if preferred.
Adjust Heat: Add extra 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.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.