Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni for Family Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish. Quick to prepare, it's an ideal weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Core
01 -
1 pound rigatoni pasta
02 -
1 pound ground beef Italian sausage
→ Aromatic Sauce Builders
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Creamy Indulgence
09 -
1 cup heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
11 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Finishing Flourish
12 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use if needed. Set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld for your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Perfect Family Dinner.
05 -
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This forms the rich base for your Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Perfect Family Dinner.
06 -
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ensure every piece is coated for the ultimate Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni: Perfect Family Dinner.
07 -
Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy this comforting and perfect family dinner!
# Notes:
01 -
For a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. Ground turkey or chicken Italian sausage also works well as a lighter alternative.
02 -
Leftovers of this Creamy Beef Sausage Rigatoni 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.
03 -
Pair this hearty pasta dish with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to complete your perfect family dinner.
04 -
Don't overcook your pasta! Al dente pasta will hold up better in the rich sauce and absorb more flavor without becoming mushy.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 773 kcal
Total Fat: 43 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 31 g