Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Recipe (Print Version)
Creamy beef sausage rigatoni is a hearty pasta dish. Rich tomato cream sauce coats rigatoni and savory beef sausage for a satisfying weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb ground beef Italian sausage
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Rich & Velvety Sauce
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Perfect Pasta & Finish
11 -
1 lb rigatoni pasta
12 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
13 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
# 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 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
03 -
Add 1 yellow onion, diced, to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in color. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully for this Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 -
Add the cooked 1 lb rigatoni pasta and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick for your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
07 -
Serve the delicious Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe immediately in warm bowls. Garnish each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for a vibrant finish. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder dish, omit them entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch more!
02 -
Make Ahead & Storage: The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add pasta just before serving. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
03 -
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onion for extra vegetables and nutrients.
04 -
Cheese Choice: While Parmesan is classic, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can add an extra layer of sharp, salty flavor to the finished dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 767 kcal
Total Fat: 43 g
Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
Protein: 29 g