One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

$- Rigatoni pasta: This pasta has a great shape for holding sauce. It cooks up firm and chewy, perfect for this dish. - Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your taste. This adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine. - Onion and garlic: These aromatics bring depth to the sauce. They make your kitchen smell amazing while cooking. - Diced tomatoes and chicken broth: They create a tasty base. The tomatoes add sweetness and the broth adds richness. - Heavy cream and spinach: The cream makes the dish creamy and smooth. Spinach adds color and nutrients, making it healthier. - Seasonings and cheese: Use Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for warmth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick. Each ingredient plays a role in making the One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni a special dish. They blend well together to create a meal that is filling and full of flavor. 1. Browning the sausage Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the sausage until it is browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step gives the dish a rich flavor. 2. Adding onions and garlic Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. This will add depth to the dish. 3. Incorporating diced tomatoes and broth Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes with juices and the chicken broth. This mix adds a nice base for the sauce. Bring it all to a boil. 4. Boiling and simmering the rigatoni After it boils, add the rigatoni pasta. Make sure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. 5. Stirring in heavy cream and spinach Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Now, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Allow the cream to heat through and mix everything well. This gives the dish a creamy texture. 6. Seasoning and adding cheese Finally, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious. Now you have a tasty one-pan creamy sausage rigatoni ready to serve! To ensure the pasta is al dente, cook the rigatoni until it is firm but tender. This should take about 12-15 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Keep an eye on the time, as overcooked pasta can turn mushy. For stirring techniques, use a wooden spoon or spatula. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce. This helps mix the flavors without breaking the pasta. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to mix in all the tasty bits. For presentation ideas, serve the creamy sausage rigatoni straight from the pan. This gives a warm, rustic feel. Top it with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for shine. For side dishes, a simple green salad pairs well. It adds freshness to the meal. You might also serve garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy your delicious dish! {{image_2}} When making One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, you have plenty of fun options. Types of sausage to use: - You can swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter dish. - Chorizo adds a nice kick if you want a spicier flavor. - For a milder taste, use chicken sausage. Vegetables that can be added: - Bell peppers bring color and sweetness to the dish. - Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. - Zucchini or carrots can boost the veggie content without changing the flavor much. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. Gluten-free options: - Use gluten-free rigatoni made from rice or corn. - Check the sausage label to ensure it is gluten-free. Dairy-free alternatives: - Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To keep your One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool first. Then, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, use these methods: - Best Methods: The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Place it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Maintaining Creaminess: To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating. This prevents it from getting thick and dry. Stir well to mix it in. How long does it take to cook the rigatoni? It takes about 12-15 minutes to cook the rigatoni. You want it to be al dente. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne or fusilli work well too. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Can this recipe be made in advance? You can make this dish in advance. Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before serving. What can I substitute for heavy cream? For heavy cream, try using half-and-half or coconut cream. Both will still give a nice, creamy texture. How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe serves 4-6 people. It’s great for family meals or gatherings. What can I serve with creamy sausage rigatoni? Pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. Both complement the dish well. Enjoy the flavors together! This creamy sausage rigatoni dish is simple and delicious. We covered the main ingredients and step-by-step cooking tips. You learned how to make the sauce rich and creamy while choosing your favorite variations. Plus, I shared easy ways to store and reheat leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own with different ingredients. Enjoy every bite!$

Discover the deliciousness of One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, a simple yet indulgent dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. This easy recipe combines Italian sausage, rigatoni, and creamy goodness all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Click through to explore this comforting recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!

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Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 6-8 minutes).

Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta to the pan, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Allow the cream to heat through, mixing everything until combined.

Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | Serves 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy sausage rigatoni directly from the pan for a rustic look, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!