Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors and luscious textures, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender rigatoni coated in a dreamy tomato garlic cream sauce, flecked with vibrant spinach and hearty Italian sausage. Every bite delivers a delicious mix of savory, creamy, and fresh elements that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or welcoming friends over, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor profile and perfect texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that creamy sauce in every bite.
• 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor—choose mild or spicy according to your taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing sausage and aromatics, giving a silky base to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and balances the savory sausage.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings juicy brightness and a subtle tang.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this sauce irresistible.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the cream just enough and adds a gentle savory note.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic herbaceous flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance every element.
• 5 oz fresh spinach: Adds a pop of vibrant green and a subtle earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty richness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish): Provides a fresh, fragrant finish.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to stand up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks so every bite has that savory, meaty goodness. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Keep the flavorful fat left in the pan for the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Onion

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook them stirring often for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases an irresistible aroma. This step builds the foundation for the sauce’s depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes

Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook for around 3 minutes until they soften and begin to release their tangy juices, which will beautifully marry with the cream sauce later.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine with the tomatoes and aromatics. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let this sauce simmer for about 5 minutes — this thickens it just slightly and allows all the flavors to meld into a silky, rich base.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring patiently until it wilts down into the sauce. This adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy balance to the richness of the cream and sausage.

Step 7: Combine Sausage and Pasta

Return the browned sausage to the pan, mixing it evenly through the sauce. Then, fold in the cooked rigatoni, tossing everything together so every piece of pasta is fully coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 8: Melt in Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese melts and becomes an integral part of the sauce — imparting a nutty, savory depth that takes this dish to the next level.

Step 9: Final Garnish

For an optional burst of freshness and inviting aroma, garnish with freshly chopped basil just before serving. It adds a lovely green contrast that is as beautiful as it is tasty.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the fresh basil, grated extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. Both provide refreshing textures and flavors that harmonize with the richness of the pasta dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, plate the rigatoni in shallow bowls and garnish with basil and Parmesan. Alternatively, transfer it into oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a couple of minutes for a bubbly, golden top that’s irresistible. It’s perfect for impressing guests or making weeknight dinners feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for about 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving in intervals with stirring works, too, for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its ridges hold sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle will work wonderfully too. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed for different shapes.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe?

Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello to maintain that savory umami flavor and satisfying texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy note.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage makes a mellow dish, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to increase heat.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

This dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio. Both complement the savory sausage and rich cream sauce wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this incredible Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and cook something truly special. This dish is pure comfort in every bite, packed with vibrant flavors and creamy indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, it just might become your new go-to pasta favorite!

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 69 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach Garlic and Tomato Cream Sauce is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring Italian sausage simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach and garlic. This comforting meal combines tender rigatoni pasta with a luscious blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and savory seasonings, finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil garnish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta

Sausage and Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the oil and any rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they start to soften and release their juices, roughly 3 minutes.
5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts into the sauce.
7. Return Sausage to Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
8. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
9. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture, stirring to melt and integrate the cheese into the sauce.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Make sure not to overcook the spinach to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian