Description
Discover how to make a quick and easy Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Sauce. This one-pot, 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the One-Pot Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. If the sausage releases a lot of fat, drain some off, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- Sauté the Garlic and Onion:
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Rigatoni:
- Add the rigatoni directly to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan and Season:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is fully coated.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Customizing the Flavor: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extra ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick with sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.