There's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni to turn an ordinary weeknight into something special. Picture tender pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with flavorful sausage and hints of garlic and herbs—comfort food at its finest.

I first made this dish when experimenting with some pantry staples and leftover sausages in the fridge. The result? A rich, crowd-pleasing meal that has become a weekly favorite in my household. Let me show you why this recipe deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Get ready to add this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni to your regular rotation—it’s a keeper for so many reasons!

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With a straightforward list of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this satisfying dish on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. The savory, spiced sausage combined with the creamy sauce creates a comforting, well-balanced taste that’s sure to please everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Whether you want to add extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or use your favorite type of sausage, it adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Lastly, it’s great for feeding a crowd. The recipe makes enough for generous servings, and any leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the success of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Rigatoni is the pasta of choice for this recipe. Its large tubes and ridged surface are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Feel free to swap in penne or ziti if that’s what you have on hand.

Sausage is the star of the show. Opt for a mildly spiced, high-quality beef or chicken sausage. Make sure to slice it into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the dish.

The sauce starts with a base of heavy cream and chicken broth. This combination creates a rich yet balanced consistency. You can substitute with a lighter cream option, like half-and-half, if you prefer.

Garlic and onion form the aromatic backbone of the recipe. They add depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage beautifully.

Parmesan cheese brings everything together, adding a nutty, salty finish to the sauce. Freshly grated is best, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded options.

Finally, consider having a large skillet or sauté pan on hand to make cooking and combining everything a breeze.

How to Make This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creating this delectable dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful pasta.

Start by cooking your rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook just shy of al dente, as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.

In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture gently bubble for 3–5 minutes, thickening slightly.

Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to coat. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni stores and reheats beautifully.

For the fridge, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life and prevent it from drying out.

If you’d like to freeze it, cool the dish completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This dish makes a fantastic meal prep option, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe and save some for later.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Add some vegetables. Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas are excellent additions that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Make it spicy by using spicy sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking.

Swap the pasta for a different variety, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free options. Just choose one that holds the sauce well.

Looking for a dairy-free version? Use a plant-based cream alternative and omit the Parmesan. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.

Experiment with different cheeses. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar can create a unique flavor profile.

With these variations, you’ll never get bored of this recipe. Try one (or all!) and discover your favorite version.