Name: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 15 oz Italian sausage (crumbled); 8 oz rigatoni (uncooked); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence); 15 oz tomato sauce (such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara); 5 oz fresh spinach; salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste); red pepper flakes (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 12 reviews

Let me introduce you to true weeknight magic: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal). When you’re craving comfort but only have half an hour and one pan to spare, this is the dish you want bubbling away on your stovetop. You get velvety tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender rigatoni all woven together in a creamy embrace—plus a handful of spinach for that extra pop of freshness. It’s the kind of soul-warming meal that feels special, but is astonishingly easy to pull off.

Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) keeps things fuss-free with just a handful of ingredients, each one pulling its weight to create flavor, comfort, and a little dinnertime joy. These pantry and fridge staples come together for a recipe that’s far greater than the sum of its parts!

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavor as you brown the sausage.
Italian sausage (crumbled): Provides layers of umami, spice, and heartiness; use sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
Rigatoni (uncooked): Its sturdy tubes trap sauce beautifully for the perfect bite every time.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory depth while cooking everything in one pan.
Heavy cream: Creates that utterly luxurious, creamy texture in the tomato sauce.
Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic zing—essential in any good Italian-inspired sauce.
Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence): Adds a blend of herby brightness; go for what’s in your pantry.
Tomato sauce (such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara): Forms the foundation of the sauce, adding body and tang.
Fresh spinach: Gently wilts into the sauce, sneaking in fiber and color.
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste): For seasoning and that all-important finishing touch.
Red pepper flakes (to taste): For a customizable kick—optional, but highly recommended for spice lovers.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Start by drizzling olive oil into a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add your crumbled Italian sausage. Cook it for about five minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns, until it’s completely cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the browned bits at the bottom infuse the dish with deep flavor. When all the pink is gone, carefully drain away any grease to keep things from getting too heavy.

Step 2: Add the Core Ingredients

No extra pots needed! Into the same skillet, add your uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence), and tomato sauce. It might look like a lot of liquid, but trust the process—it’s all going to get absorbed and transformed into a velvety sauce.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Bring everything up to a boil over medium heat, then give it all a good stir. Pop a lid on the skillet and let the mixture cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce needs to bubble away so the rigatoni cooks through and starts to soak up all that gorgeous flavor. Check in and stir frequently; this prevents sticking and ensures every piece of pasta is surrounded by creamy, tomato-rich goodness.

Step 4: Achieve That Dreamy “Al Dente” Texture

Keep your eye on the pasta—the goal is al dente: tender, but with a little bit of bite left. This usually happens around the 10- to 15-minute mark, depending on your heat and the pan you’re using. If you want a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid and let it reduce for an extra minute or two at the end.

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach

Once the pasta is just right, toss in your fresh spinach. You can stir it in over medium heat until it wilts down, or simply scatter it over the top, cover with the lid, and let it steam in the residual heat for about four minutes. The spinach cleverly tucks itself into the cheesy nooks and crannies, adding color and nutrients without any fuss.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give everything a thorough stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. If you’re in the mood for some heat, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Remember, the sausage might be salty, so taste before adding extra salt. Once the seasoning is just right, your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) is ready to be dished up!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A final shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, or maybe a drizzle of quality olive oil will take your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) straight into restaurant territory. For extra heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top makes a real statement.

Side Dishes

This hearty one-pan meal doesn’t need much on the side, but if you want to round it out, consider some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. A big green salad with a sharp vinaigrette does wonders to balance the creaminess, or serve with simple roasted veggies for extra color and fiber.

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily jazz up your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) for guests or special occasions. Serve it in shallow bowls with a twirl of rigatoni in the middle and a generous heap of sausage on top, then crown with microgreens, lemon zest, or crunchy fried shallots for contrast. For family-style fun, bring the whole skillet right to the table—it’s rustic, inviting, and everyone gets a generous scoop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) is a lifesaver for busy lunches or next-day dinners. Let the pasta cool slightly before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying just as satisfying, if not more so, as the flavors meld.

Freezing

If you’d like to squirrel some away for the future, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Creamy pasta can sometimes change texture after freezing, but this one holds up surprisingly well. It’s best enjoyed within one month for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is as simple as microwaving or gently warming on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce. Give it a good stir and heat until it’s piping hot all the way through. A quick sprinkle of Parmesan or a few fresh spinach leaves will give leftovers new life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for catching every bit of sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli work well. Just adjust the cooking time to match the pasta you choose—check the box and taste as you go.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can substitute other flavorful sausages like chorizo, chicken sausage, or even meatless sausage alternatives. Just be sure to choose one with plenty of seasoning to keep the dish lively and robust.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick or too thin?

If your Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) seems too thick at the end, add a splash of broth or cream and stir until loosened. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to let the sauce reduce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms for heartiness. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep everything vegetarian-friendly.

Is this a good recipe for meal prep?

Yes, Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) is ideal for prepping ahead. It reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead lunch or quick family dinner throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for something rich, satisfying, and reliable on even your busiest nights, Creamy Sausage Rigatoni (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal) is ready to become your go-to recipe. There’s genuine joy in sharing a bowl of this dish with those you love—so go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and see just how easy weeknight comfort food can be!