Name: Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved); 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, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, this Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender rigatoni tubes perfectly coated in a creamy, savory tomato sauce studded with flavorful Italian sausage and fragrant fresh basil, every bite bursts with comfort and delight. It’s the kind of recipe that’s straightforward to make yet feels indulgent enough to impress family and friends at any dinner. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend feast, this Rigatoni Pasta Recipe promises to become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great meal starts with the right ingredients, and this Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is no exception. Each item on the list plays a crucial role in layering flavors, building texture, and adding vibrant colors that make the dish irresistible.

12 ounces rigatoni pasta: The perfect hollow tube to hold all that delicious sauce inside, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
1/2 cup pasta water: A secret weapon to help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully and add moisture when needed.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic and seasoning without burning them.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential for an Italian-inspired sauce.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances depth with every spoonful.
1 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory notes and a little bit of spice to the dish.
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce with bright, tangy tomato flavor.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth, balancing acidity.
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil + more for garnish: Brings fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Shredded Parmesan for garnish: Adds salty, nutty finishing touch with wonderful melt-in-your-mouth qualities.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and complements the sausage perfectly.

How to Make Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your rigatoni according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm yet tender. Don’t forget to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; this will be your magic ingredient to help marry the sauce and pasta seamlessly.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Seasoning

While the rigatoni cooks, heat the olive oil gently over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and stir constantly for about 30 to 60 seconds. The key here is to get the garlic fragrant without letting it brown because burned garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor balance you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage

Turn the heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly and develop those rich meaty flavors. Cooking the sausage properly ensures that every bite delivers that delicious, slightly spicy punch.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season with generous pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so all those flavors can meld together into a creamy, dreamy symphony of taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, it’s time to marry your perfectly cooked rigatoni with the luscious sauce. Add the drained pasta to the pan along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat every rigatoni tube beautifully. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that each bite delivers that creamy, savory goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling on fresh basil leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add not only a burst of herbal freshness but also a salty, nutty richness that makes the dish truly irresistible.

How to Serve Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t overlook the simple power of fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds bright color and a pop of herbal aroma, while generous shavings of Parmesan lend an extra hit of umami and creaminess. Together they turn a great dish into a truly memorable one.

Side Dishes

This Rigatoni Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side dishes that balance the richness. Consider a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Garlic bread is a classic crowd-pleaser too, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rigatoni in individual mini casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh basil leaves. Or layer it in a baked pasta casserole for a cozy, bubbling presentation. You can also drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or spicy chili oil on top for some additional flavor flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce tends to thicken once chilled — just add a splash of water or cream when reheating to bring it back to that luscious consistency.

Freezing

This Rigatoni Pasta Recipe freezes well. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta gently to avoid drying it out. Use a stovetop skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a bit of reserved pasta water, cream, or olive oil during reheating will help maintain that silky sauce texture we all love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Rigatoni Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s large tubes are perfect for holding the sauce, other shapes like penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s smaller cousin, penne rigate, will work nicely without losing much of the delicious experience.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the Italian sausage?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms with extra Italian seasoning to replicate the savory depth. Just adjust seasoning to taste for the best results.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

To turn up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some chili powder into the sauce. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to keep it balanced.

Can I prepare this Rigatoni Pasta Recipe in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! Make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate. Before serving, reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the freshest texture and flavor.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best for garnish?

Freshly grated or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty flavor that pre-grated powders can’t match. If you can get your hands on the real deal, don’t hesitate!

Final Thoughts

This Rigatoni Pasta Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed celebration that’s sure to bring joy to any table. Its rich sauce, tender meat, fresh herbs, and that perfect al dente bite come together effortlessly, making it a brilliant choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, dig in and savor every bite—you definitely deserve it!

Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and flavorful Rigatoni Pasta recipe combines al dente rigatoni with a rich tomato and Italian sausage sauce, enhanced by garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of heavy cream. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
Sauté garlic and seasoning: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking while stirring constantly for 30 to 60 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn to preserve its flavor.
Cook the sausage: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage to the pan. Use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
Add tomatoes and cream: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chopped basil. Season with several large pinches of kosher salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it is heated through and flavors meld.
Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the sauce along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy tomato sausage sauce.
Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta, then garnish with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting Rigatoni Pasta meal.
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Notes

Make sure not to overcook the garlic when sautéing to keep the sauce from tasting bitter.
Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the rigatoni.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: Italian