Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Dish

This creamy sausage rigatoni delivers rich flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make skillet meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of the savory tomato cream with Italian sausage and fresh spinach woven through. It’s a dish that comes together quickly but feels special enough for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Fresh spinach adds brightness and a pop of color

Ingredients List

• Olive oil: for a fragrant and smooth sauté base pick extra virgin for best flavor
• Italian sausage: crumbled for a spicy, savory kick choose a mix of sweet and hot varieties if you like a bit of heat
• Rigatoni: because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully select dried pasta with a firm texture for cooking
• Chicken broth: to add depth without overpowering select low sodium to control seasoning
• Heavy cream: for that rich, velvety sauce go with fresh cream for best consistency
• Garlic: minced to release a garlicky aroma choose firm cloves without sprouting
• Italian seasoning: for that classic herb blend including oregano and basil fresh or dried both work fine
• Tomato sauce: smooth and tangy select high quality canned sauce for rich flavor
• Fresh spinach: wilted into the sauce for freshness and color pick vibrant green leaves, wash thoroughly
• Salt: to taste be cautious if your sausage is already salty
• Coarsely ground black pepper: for a mild kick and freshness
• Red pepper flakes: optional for an added spicy note customize depending on your heat preference

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook about 5 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily.

Combine Ingredients In The Skillet:

To the cooked sausage, add uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine flavors.

Cook The Rigatoni In Sauce:

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the rigatoni is tender but firm to the bite, known as al dente.

Add The Spinach:

Stir in fresh spinach and cook for a couple of minutes on medium heat until wilted, or remove from heat, cover, and let residual heat wilt the spinach gently off heat for about 4 minutes.

Adjust Thickness And Season:

If you want a thicker sauce, continue cooking uncovered for a few extra minutes. Then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes as you like. Mix everything well before serving.

Adds fresh greens at the end for a balanced bite

Best Storage Practices

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta may absorb more sauce and thicken, so reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring as it can cause uneven heating and dryness.

Ingredient Swaps

Ground turkey or chicken can replace Italian sausage for a lighter meal, just add extra seasoning for flavor. Fresh kale or Swiss chard works well in place of spinach if you want a heartier green, just cook a bit longer for proper wilting. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use a vegan sausage alternative.

Serving Pairings

Pair with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil to contrast the richness. Warm crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect to mop up any extra creamy tomato sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon lifts this comforting pasta beautifully.

Don’t rush the spinach wilting; letting residual heat do the work preserves its vibrant color and texture.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Italian sausage, especially the sweet or mild variety, enhances the flavor with its blend of herbs and spices, giving a rich, savory base.

→ How can I tell when the rigatoni is cooked perfectly?

Cook rigatoni until it is 'al dente'—tender but still firm to the bite—to ensure a satisfying texture that holds up in the creamy sauce.

→ What’s the purpose of adding chicken broth to the sauce?

Chicken broth adds depth and a mild savory note, balancing the cream and tomato sauce for a well-rounded flavor.

→ Can fresh spinach be substituted with another green?

Yes, baby kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives; add them towards the end of cooking so they wilt gently while retaining texture.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker if desired?

Simply extend the cooking time uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally without losing flavor.