Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni delivers a rich, savory sauce with tender pasta. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under an hour.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb ground beef sausage (mild or hot Italian style)
02 -
16 oz rigatoni pasta
→ Rich & Aromatic Sauce Starters
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
07 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Creamy Finish & Seasoning
09 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
11 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
14 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. This ensures your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Easy Dinner Recipe has perfectly cooked pasta.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
03 -
To the same skillet (with sausage), add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Easy Dinner Recipe.
05 -
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This creamy finish is key to a delicious Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Easy Dinner Recipe. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
06 -
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Garnish your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Easy Dinner Recipe with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using hot Italian beef sausage if you enjoy a bit of a kick.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
03 -
Don't skip reserving pasta water! It's a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
04 -
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete your meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1047 kcal
Total Fat: 53 g
Total Carbohydrate: 95 g
Protein: 42 g