If you are craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that will quickly become a household favorite, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender rigatoni pasta with savory, mildly spiced Italian sausage and a luscious, velvety sauce enriched by heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a hint of sun-dried tomatoes. The addition of fresh spinach adds a beautiful pop of color and nutrition, creating a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Every bite invites you into a warm, cozy embrace of Italian-inspired goodness that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a crucial role in building the depth, creaminess, and vibrant flavors of this dish. From the hearty rigatoni pasta to the rich parmesan and spicy sun-dried tomatoes, every component works together to create that irresistible Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe experience.
- ¾ pound rigatoni pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce with every forkful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and is essential for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage: Provides that signature Italian flavor with just the right amount of spice.
- ¾ cup small diced yellow onion: Sweetness and texture to balance the richness of the cream.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Injects an irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend: A fragrant mix of herbs that evokes traditional Italian flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus additional for cooking pasta): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle warmth to complement the sausage.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a teasing bit of heat that dances on the palate.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Integral for creating the silky roux base of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Introduces savory depth and helps thin the sauce to just the right texture.
- 1¾ cups heavy cream: The luxurious component making this pasta decadently creamy.
- ¾ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes (packed in herbed olive oil, oil drained): Offers bursts of tangy sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, infusing it with a salty, nutty richness.
- 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach: Adds vibrant greenery and a nutritious touch.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until just al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Al dente pasta is important because it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring you don’t end up with soggy noodles. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful sausage and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Toss in the mild Italian sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 9 to 11 minutes until the sausage turns a beautiful golden brown and the onions soften and release their sweetness. Moving everything around occasionally helps those spices bloom and infuses the pan with incredible aroma. Once done, transfer the sausage mixture onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until it’s fully incorporated and cook it gently for about a minute until it turns a lovely light golden brown. This mixture, called a roux, is the key to thickening your sauce and giving it that irresistible creamy texture you’re craving.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain, followed by the heavy cream and julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir often during this stage to keep the sauce silky and smooth, preventing it from clumping or sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Spinach
Gradually stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, enriching it with a sharp, nutty flavor. Next, toss in the baby spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt beautifully—this not only adds a nutritional boost but also a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Return the reserved sausage mixture and the drained rigatoni into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is richly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to plate your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly elevates this dish by adding a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness that beautifully contrasts the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, consider a few shavings of parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes to amplify both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp, refreshing side salad—think arugula or mixed greens tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread or a warm, crunchy baguette is also a classic choice, perfect for mopping up that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the pasta in a large, rustic bowl sprinkled generously with parsley and freshly grated parmesan. If you want to impress guests, twirl the rigatoni into neat nests on each plate and drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges for a restaurant-quality look. Garnish with whole sun-dried tomato strips or a sprig of fresh basil for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it super convenient for quick lunches or dinners. Just make sure the pasta and sauce are completely cooled before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the cream sauce is delightful fresh, it doesn’t freeze as well due to the dairy content, which can separate. If you want to freeze portions, it’s best to keep the cooked sausage and pasta separate from the sauce. Freeze them individually and thaw thoroughly in the fridge before gently reheating and combining with freshly made or reheated sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating works too; just cover the dish and stir every minute to ensure even warming without curdling the sauce. Be patient here, as rushing the reheating can affect the creaminess you love so much.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage will add a wonderful kick to this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe. Just adjust the crushed red pepper flakes accordingly if you want to manage the heat level.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
While rigatoni is perfect because of its ridges and tube shape that hold sauce well, other sturdy pastas like penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s close relatives will work beautifully. Avoid delicate pastas that might fall apart in the sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or even hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello sautéed with the same seasoning. This will still deliver plenty of flavor and maintain the luxurious cream sauce.
Is there a way to lighten this creamy pasta?
To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add more spinach and other vegetables to bulk up the dish while reducing the calorie density. Keep in mind that changing the cream to a lower-fat option will alter the luscious texture slightly.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Whisk continuously when adding liquids to the roux and avoid high heat during simmering. Cooking slowly and stirring regularly keeps the sauce smooth and creamy, which is essential for this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe’s success.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those golden dishes that brings so much comfort and joy to the table with very little fuss. The harmony of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for your dinners. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be sharing it with your friends and family just like I’m sharing it with you now. So gather those simple ingredients and dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy, saucy bliss tonight!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Italian sausage pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that features tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce with mild Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, the sauce is made by simmering a blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, enhanced with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfectly balanced pasta meal with a creamy, savory sauce and fresh green spinach.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- ¾ pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- ¾ cup small diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus additional for cooking pasta)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1¾ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes (packed in herbed olive oil, oil drained from an 8.5-ounce jar)
- 1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach (from a 5-ounce container)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni pasta for 9-11 minutes until al dente or according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside. While the pasta cooks, proceed with the next steps.
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: Preheat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, mild Italian sausage, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 9-11 minutes until the sausage is golden brown and onions and spices are softened and fragrant.
- Drain Excess Grease: Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Discard the paper towel once done and set the sausage mixture aside temporarily.
- Prepare Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the flour is fully absorbed and the roux turns a light golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to eliminate lumps, then whisk in the heavy cream and the drained julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir frequently to prevent clumping or burning.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Slowly stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Then fold in the baby spinach and continue stirring until the spinach leaves are fully wilted and evenly distributed in the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the drained pasta and reserved sausage mixture to the skillet, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Heat through briefly, then remove from the heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use mild Italian sausage to keep the dish subtle; swap for spicy sausage if you prefer more heat.
- Be sure to drain excess grease from the sausage to prevent a greasy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of additional chicken broth or cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add great flavor; if using dry ones, rehydrate in warm water before adding.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed when combining pasta and sauce.
