Description
Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a rich and creamy Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce with savory Italian sausage. This comforting meal combines the bold flavors of browned sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the sausage for 6 to 8 minutes until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and sausage mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to incorporate extra vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- This dish pairs excellently with a green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
