Dinner

Rigatoni Pasta with Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Cream Sauce Recipe

Name: Rigatoni Pasta with Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 3/4 cup heavy cream; Shredded Parmesan for garnish; 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta); 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

ByZoe Lane October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

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Introduction

This rigatoni pasta recipe combines hearty Italian sausage with a creamy tomato sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with rigatoni pasta mixed evenly with ground meat in a rich, reddish-brown sauce. The pasta tubes are coated with the thick sauce, and small bits of meat are spread across the dish, blending with the sauce to create a textured appearance. The pasta's ridged surface is visible, and the overall colors are warm with shades of brown and orange. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup pasta water
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 pound ground Italian sausage
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish
Shredded Parmesan for garnish
Kosher salt
Black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 to 60 seconds, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the ground Italian sausage to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, breaking up the sausage with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped basil, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce is warmed through.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7: Garnish with additional basil and shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and Italian seasoning.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the sausage.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding pasta.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate filled with pasta. The pasta pieces are short and tube-shaped with a ridged texture, covered evenly in a thick, creamy sauce that is rich light brown in color. Small bits of what looks like ground meat are mixed well throughout the sauce, giving it a chunky texture. The pasta is spread all over the plate, with some pieces leaning and stacked slightly on top of each other, creating a rough, cozy surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.