Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce
This creamy sausage rigatoni is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. It combines savory sausage with tender rigatoni, spinach, garlic, and a rich tomato cream sauce.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces rigatoni
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
- fresh basil chopped for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions in salted water, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Brown Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat, then add olive oil and diced onion to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer, cooking for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and add fresh spinach, cooking until it wilts.
- Add cooked rigatoni and grated Parmesan to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.