Dinner

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Shredded Parmesan cheese

BySana Jeannette April 11, 2026April 11, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy and flavorful rigatoni pasta recipe combines savory Italian sausage with a rich tomato and cream sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Ready in under an hour, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A white bowl filled with rigatoni pasta mixed evenly with a thick, creamy meat sauce. The sauce is light brown with visible small chunks of meat and herbs, coating each pasta piece well. The rigatoni pasta is cylindrical with ridges, showing a soft texture and slightly glossy from the sauce. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup pasta water

1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 pound ground Italian sausage

28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish

Shredded Parmesan for garnish
Kosher salt
Black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir constantly and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.

Step 4: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped basil, and a few large pinches of salt and black pepper. Let the sauce warm through for a few minutes.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.

Step 7: Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil added with the Italian seasoning.
Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers can add texture and extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well without losing flavor.

How to Serve

A large white pot filled with rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy red sauce mixed with browned sausage bits and small green herbs. The pasta is topped with a pile of finely grated white cheese mostly in the center, melting slightly into the sauce. Two gold serving spoons rest inside the pot, one scooping up pasta. In the background, a small white bowl filled with more grated cheese sits on a white marbled surface, along with a white and black striped cloth napkin at the bottom right corner. The scene is bright and cozy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or penne rigate. Choose pasta that holds sauce well for the best experience.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a meat-free version.