This Italian Sausage Pasta is a creamy, savory dish packed with bold flavors from Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The rich sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, beautifully coats the rigatoni for a hearty and comforting meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 finely chopped small onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
- ⅔ cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes
- ⅔ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 or 4 cups baby spinach
- Salt, to taste
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Broth
Stir in the black pepper, dried marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to release the flavors of the herbs. Then, add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Add Cream and Tomatoes
Once the broth simmers, stir in the heavy whipping cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Then, add the cooked rigatoni pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Add the Spinach
Add the baby spinach and gently toss until the spinach wilts into the pasta. This will only take 1-2 minutes. Taste the pasta and season with salt, if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Italian Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal with a side salad or garlic bread.
Cooking Notes:
- Sausage: You can use either spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. Spicy sausage pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce.
- Pasta: Rigatoni is ideal because it holds the sauce well, but you can substitute with other pasta like penne or farfalle.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use roasted red peppers instead.
Variations:
- Mushroom and Sausage Pasta: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk for a lighter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine everything.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This pasta dish can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may change texture when reheated. If freezing, let the pasta cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well with this recipe if you don’t have rigatoni on hand
This Italian Sausage Pasta is a rich, creamy, and delicious dish that’s packed with flavor from the sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you make it as written or add your own twist, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Try this recipe today for a satisfying, hearty meal!
