Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)
This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato cream sauce, and fresh spinach, it’s a perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4
Calories: 850kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 oz Italian sausage crumbled
- 8 oz rigatoni uncooked
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 15 oz tomato sauce such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease and leave the sausage in the skillet.
Add Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- To the skillet with the sausage, add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Stir everything to combine.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente.
Add the Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Alternatively, remove the skillet from the heat, place the spinach on top, cover with the lid, and let the residual heat wilt the spinach for about 4 minutes.
Adjust Sauce and Season
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Remove from heat and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serve
- Stir well and serve hot.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Sausage Options: Use mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
Pasta Substitutes: Penne or ziti can be used instead of rigatoni — adjust the cooking time as needed.
Greens Alternatives: Kale or arugula can replace spinach for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Customize the Heat: Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.