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: 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; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Shredded Parmesan cheese

ByMarina Montclair October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

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Introduction

This creamy rigatoni pasta with Italian sausage is a comforting and flavorful dinner option that’s easy to prepare. Rich tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil combine perfectly with tender pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds, making sure the garlic does not brown or burn.
Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped basil, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce is heated through.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni and a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and Italian seasoning.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce texture.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy.