Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni with Tomato Sauce (Print Version)
Hearty creamy beef sausage rigatoni features a rich tomato sauce, savory beef sausage, and tender rigatoni pasta. A comforting weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta
02 -
1 lb ground beef sausage
→ Aromatic Sauce Starters
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ The Creamy Tomato Embrace
07 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 -
1/2 cup beef broth
09 -
1 cup heavy cream
10 -
1 tsp dried oregano
→ Finishing Flourish
11 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
12 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
13 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. While pasta cooks, dice 1/2 large yellow onion and mince 3 cloves garlic. Drain 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 sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then set sausage aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add diced 1/2 large yellow onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced 3 cloves garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds the base for our Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for the best Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe.
05 -
Stir 1 cup heavy cream into the sauce. Return the cooked 1 lb ground beef sausage to the skillet. Add the drained 12 oz rigatoni pasta, tossing to coat everything evenly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs some of the delicious sauce.
06 -
Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped. Season the Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
07 -
Divide the Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe among four plates. Garnish each serving with more grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon. If you prefer less heat, you can omit them entirely.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
03 -
Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers along with the onion for extra nutrients and color.
04 -
While Parmesan is classic, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can add a sharper, saltier depth to the sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Colander
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 991 kcal
Total Fat: 60 g
Total Carbohydrate: 75 g
Protein: 39 g