Velvety Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe: Spinach & Tomato Magic

Sizzling pans and aromatic herbs set the stage for this mouthwatering creamy Italian sausage rigatoni with spinach that promises pure comfort.

Rich, savory flavors dance through every single bite of this incredible pasta dish.

Hearty Italian sausage melts into a luxurious sauce, creating depth and warmth in each forkful.

Tender spinach adds a vibrant green freshness that perfectly balances the robust meat and creamy texture.

Juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness, complementing the spices and bringing a bright note to the entire meal.

The rigatoni captures sauce in its delightful ridges, ensuring maximum flavor in every single bite.

Hunger calls, and this pasta answers with a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prep Tool Needed for Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking sausage, sautéing vegetables, and preparing the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients while preventing scratching of the pot surface.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to freshly grate Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess fat from sausage if necessary.

How You’ll Cook Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato

• Sausage Foundation

Brown Italian sausage in a large pot, breaking it into delectable crumbles. The meat sizzles and transforms, releasing rich flavors that will anchor our culinary adventure.

• Aromatic Awakening

Introduce minced garlic and chopped onion, creating a fragrant base that dances with the sausage. Let these ingredients mingle and soften, releasing their subtle essence.

• Liquid Landscape

Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop depth. This liquid will become the soulful backdrop for our pasta.

• Pasta Immersion

Drop rigatoni directly into the bubbling mixture. Let the pasta absorb the surrounding flavors, becoming tender and infused with the sauce’s character.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently swirl heavy cream into the pot, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious blanket. The cream softens and unifies the dish’s robust elements.

• Final Flourish

Fold in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, letting the greens wilt and the cheese melt. Season with a whisper of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a final burst of excitement.

Make It Better: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Tweaks & Ideas

• Swap out traditional Italian sausage for spicy chorizo or mild chicken sausage to create exciting flavor profiles and cater to different taste preferences.
• Choose whole wheat rigatoni for added nutrition or gluten-free pasta to make the dish more dietary-friendly without compromising on taste and texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some creamy goat cheese or sharp pecorino romano to enhance the dish's richness and depth of flavor.
• Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more complex layers of taste in the pasta.
• Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the overall cooking experience.

Best Ways to Plate Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serve this hearty rigatoni in deep, warm bowls to capture all the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with Gourmet Flair: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, or a drizzle of quality olive oil on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match this creamy dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and tomato notes.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the pasta in a large, rustic serving dish for a communal meal that encourages sharing and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Keep It Fresh: Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish will keep well for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta and distribute heat evenly. Microwave as a quick alternative, covering the dish to trap steam and prevent drying out.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and cook sausage a day in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation. This approach helps streamline cooking and reduces kitchen stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 5

Start With These for Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach and Tomato

• Italian Sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture; choose fresh, high-quality sausage with good spice blend for maximum taste.

• Garlic, Onion: Builds deep flavor base; select firm, fragrant garlic and crisp onions without soft spots.

• Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Creates tangy, savory sauce foundation; opt for no-salt-added tomatoes and low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures silky, luxurious sauce consistency; select fresh, high-fat content cream for smoothest results.

• Rigatoni: Provides substantial texture and sauce-catching ridges; choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adhesion.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional boost and vibrant color; pick bright green leaves without wilting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty complexity; grate fresh for most intense flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Elevates overall taste profile; use freshly ground pepper and high-quality sea salt.

• Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking medium; select extra virgin for best flavor.

Velvety Italian Sausage Rigatoni With Spinach And Tomato Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian sausage rigatoni delights pasta enthusiasts with its rich Mediterranean flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that lingers in memories after each comforting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 12 ounces (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Caramelize Italian sausage in heated olive oil, meticulously crumbling the meat until achieving a deep golden hue and ensuring complete cooking, releasing robust flavors and creating a rich foundation.
2. Develop Aromatic Base: Retain a modest amount of rendered fat, then introduce finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, infusing the dish with intense savory notes.
3. Create Liquid Foundation: Incorporate diced tomatoes and chicken broth, generating a harmonious liquid environment that will gently simmer and tenderize the upcoming pasta, developing complex layers of flavor.
4. Cook Pasta: Immerse rigatoni directly into the simmering liquid, ensuring complete coverage and occasional stirring to prevent adherence, cooking until pasta reaches ideal al dente consistency with a slight bite.
5. Transform Sauce: Lower heat and introduce heavy cream, stirring consistently to generate a luxurious, silky sauce that elegantly thickens and coats each pasta ridge with creamy sophistication.
6. Integrate Greens: Fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, allowing them to delicately wilt and merge seamlessly, adding vibrant color and nutritional depth to the composition.
7. Finale and Seasoning: Conclude by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese, complementing with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, ensuring complete cheese integration and a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Sausage Searing Tip: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavor and create a caramelized exterior that adds complexity to the entire dish.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Stir rigatoni frequently during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking, achieving that perfect al dente texture every time.
• Cream Incorporation Technique: Add heavy cream slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling and create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Spinach Wilting Secret: Add spinach at the last moment to preserve its vibrant green color and fresh nutrients, ensuring it doesn’t become overly soggy or lose its delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg