Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe (Print Version)
Creamy beef sausage rigatoni comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Rich tomato cream sauce coats hearty rigatoni and savory beef sausage.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb ground beef sausage
03 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Creamy Tomato Embrace
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1/4 cup heavy cream
07 -
2 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ The Rigatoni & Finishing Touches
10 -
1 lb rigatoni pasta
11 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
12 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
14 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 1 lb rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. This starchy water is key for the perfect consistency in your Easy Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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. Drain excess fat. Add 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
03 -
Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic base is crucial for the rich flavor of your Easy Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 2 oz cream cheese, softened, and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
05 -
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
06 -
Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve your Easy Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh basil.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using spicy Italian beef sausage instead of regular ground beef sausage. It adds a wonderful kick!
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
03 -
No rigatoni? Penne or ziti work perfectly well as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, swap beef sausage for plant-based ground "meat" and vegetable broth.
04 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Colander
08 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 923 kcal
Total Fat: 42 g
Total Carbohydrate: 93 g
Protein: 42 g