Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Description

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting dish that combines al dente rigatoni pasta with savory Italian sausage in a rich and velvety cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms weeknight dinners into a delightful culinary experience your family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
6. Toss the drained rigatoni with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 570
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or peas. - Substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.