There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni on a chilly evening. The al dente pasta coated in a velvety sauce, bursting with the savory flavors of sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, is a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

I first whipped up this dish when I needed something quick yet indulgent for a last-minute family dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, it transformed into an instant classic, earning a permanent spot in our weeknight rotation.
Let me show you why this recipe deserves a spot on your table, too.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a flavor-packed lifesaver for busy nights.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just 30 minutes and one pan (plus a pot for the pasta), you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to go. Perfect for those evenings when you’re juggling a hundred things but still want something satisfying.
The flavors are unbeatable. The combination of spicy or sweet Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat.
It’s a family-friendly favorite. Whether you have picky eaters or adventurous diners, this dish adapts beautifully. You can tweak the heat, add extra veggies, or keep it simple—everyone leaves the table happy.
Finally, this recipe is cost-effective. It uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose, working together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here's what you'll need:
- Rigatoni Pasta: The ridged shape of rigatoni is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have rigatoni, penne or ziti are great substitutes.
- Italian Sausage: Whether you prefer sweet, mild, or spicy, Italian sausage is the star of the show. Its seasoning adds depth and richness that ground beef or turkey just can’t match.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as indulgent.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish, adding a savory sweetness that complements the sausage.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that irresistible cheesy finish. Avoid pre-grated varieties for the best results.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Just a touch adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the cream. You can also use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a subtle kick of heat that takes the dish to the next level.
Special Equipment: You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan to cook the sausage and make the sauce, plus a pot for boiling the pasta.
How To Make This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Making Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is surprisingly simple, even if you’re new to cooking. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner every time:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Add the crushed tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the rigatoni is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, and watch it disappear!
This entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
Storage Options
Leftovers of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni are a gift that keeps on giving. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the fridge.
- Freezer: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp for a lighter twist on the classic.
- Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or double up on the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Experiment and find the variation that your family loves the most!
With its creamy, comforting sauce and savory sausage, Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a meal you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Creamy sausage rigatoni recipe with tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce. Easy and perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
- Add garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni with the creamy sausage sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
Leave a Reply