Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

why make this recipe

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy to make. The combination of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato cream sauce makes each bite burst with flavor. Plus, it comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

how to make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• Rigatoni pasta
• Italian sausage
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Tomato cream sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the rigatoni pasta and tomato cream sauce.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta and stir.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

how to serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

Serve this dish hot straight from the pan. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side. For an extra touch, sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top before enjoying!

how to store Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

• Make sure to cook the sausage until it’s browned for maximum flavor.
• Don’t skip the garlic! It adds a fantastic aroma and taste to the dish.
• Adjust the amount of spinach based on your preference—more spinach can add more nutrition.
• If you want more heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.

variation (if any)

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based sausage. You can also substitute the rigatoni with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.

2. What can I use if I don’t have tomato cream sauce?
You can make your own by mixing canned crushed tomatoes with cream or use marinara sauce and add a splash of cream for richness.

3. Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Rigatoni?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but if you want to freeze it, do so after it has cooled. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat on low heat after thawing.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Garlic, and Tomato Cream Sauce

A delicious and hearty dish that combines Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato cream sauce for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz Rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage Sliced
• 4 cups Fresh spinach Adjust based on preference
• 3 cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 cup Tomato cream sauce Can substitute with homemade mixture or marinara sauce with cream
• 2 tbsp Olive oil For cooking
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese For serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the rigatoni pasta and tomato cream sauce.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta and stir.

Cooking

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For storing leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave.