Looking for a fast, delicious dinner idea? You’ve just found it! In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite recipe for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni, a dish that’s rich, savory, and easy to make. With simple ingredients like rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, and heavy cream, dinner will be ready in no time. Let’s dive into this flavorful delight that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Cooking creamy sausage rigatoni is easy when you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Main Ingredients List
– 12 oz. rigatoni pasta
– 1 lb. Italian sausage (mild or spicy, with casings removed)
– 1 cup heavy cream
These three key items create a rich and satisfying meal. The rigatoni holds the sauce well due to its shape. The Italian sausage adds a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream.
Optional Ingredients
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Basil on top not only looks great but adds fresh flavor. Feel free to mix and match these optional items to make the dish your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rigatoni
– Bring Water to Boil: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Turn the heat on high until the water boils. This step is key for flavor.
– Cook Pasta Al Dente: Once boiling, add the rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Test a piece to make sure it is firm but not hard. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sausage
– Heating Olive Oil: Grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This oil will help to brown the sausage nicely.
– Browning the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller bits. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a deep brown. Make sure it is fully cooked.
Sautéing Aromatics and Making the Sauce
– Adding Onion and Garlic: Once the sausage is browned, toss in one diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion looks soft. Add three minced garlic cloves and, if you like heat, toss in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great.
– Incorporating Cream and Broth: Now, gently pour in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of chicken broth. Stir well to mix all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll find everything you need to make a delightful creamy sausage rigatoni.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Dish
Cooking to Al Dente
To make the perfect rigatoni, cook it until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Generally, this takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Check the package for exact times. If you overcook it, the pasta can become mushy. To avoid this, taste the pasta a minute or two before the time is up.
Properly Folding in Cheese
When adding cheese to your sauce, do it slowly. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat first. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese in small amounts. This makes a smooth and creamy sauce. If you add it too fast, you might end up with clumps.
Presentation Tips
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, use shallow bowls. This allows the creamy sausage rigatoni to shine. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top. It gives a nice shine and flavor. Divide the pasta evenly among the bowls.
Garnishing Your Dish
Fresh basil leaves are a great garnish. They add color and a fresh taste. Just tear a few leaves and place them on top of each serving. You can also sprinkle more grated cheese if you like. These small touches make your dish look and taste gourmet.
