THE BEST Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan 30-Minute Dinner)

When you need a comforting, hearty dinner that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen, this creamy sausage rigatoni is the answer. With tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety sauce made from tomato paste, cream, and Parmesan, this dish delivers big Italian-inspired flavor in just one pan.

It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you’ve been simmering for hours, but in reality, it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or when you just crave cozy pasta goodness.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Build the flavor base: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Create the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Add pasta & cheese: Toss in cooked rigatoni. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed for silkiness.
6. Finish & serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni

• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup.
• Quick & easy: On the table in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Works with spicy or mild sausage, and you can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Rich & comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine instead of chicken broth for an extra flavor boost.
• Make it lighter with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

A rich and comforting one-pan pasta dinner with rigatoni, Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Fusion, Italian

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• fresh basil leaves for garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife

Method

 

1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, then add cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Add rigatoni and Parmesan. Stir until creamy, adding pasta water as needed.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with basil and serve.

Notes

For extra depth, replace half the cream with ricotta cheese.