Description
Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner. Savory Italian sausage, al dente rigatoni, and fresh spinach swim in a luscious tomato-cream sauce for restaurant-worthy flavor without the mess. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, this cozy pasta delivers bold garlic notes, rich Parmesan, and a silky texture. Finish with red pepper flakes or basil for a bright, comforting finish. This comforting dish balances protein, greens, and creamy sauce in a satisfying bite that families crave and weeknights finally get right.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian-style sausage (beef or turkey), casings removed
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: red pepper flakes or fresh basil
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add uncooked rigatoni and stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash more broth or milk.
- Leftovers reheat well; store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta/Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: Approximately 860 per serving
- Sugar: About 6-10 g
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg
- Fat: Approximately 50 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 70 g
- Fiber: Approximately 3 g
- Protein: Approximately 28 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, Creamy pasta, One pan pasta, Italian sausage pasta, 30 minute dinner, spinach pasta, sausage rigatoni, tomato cream pasta