Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Janell

Finding a weeknight dinner that the whole family actually agrees on can feel like a full-time job. Between school, sports, and work, busy nights call for something simple but satisfying. This Sausage Rigatoni recipe is my go-to when I want good food without spending hours in the kitchen.  

Scroll to the end for the printable recipe card. 

Why You’ll Love It

This pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the heartiness of rigatoni pasta with a creamy parmesan sauce that feels a lot more expensive than it actually is. Whether you use mild Italian sausages or spice things up with a spicy sausage rigatoni, this meal hits the spot every time. Plus, if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day after being stored in an airtight container.  

What You Need

You can find all these ingredients at most local grocery stores. If it’s your first time making a homemade pasta sauce, don’t worry—it’s much easier than using a jar of marinara sauce or plain tomato sauce.  

• Rigatoni pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto thick, creamy sauces.  
• Italian Sausage: You can use links (just remove the casings) or spicy Italian sausage.  
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and velvety. 
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts much better than the pre-shredded kind.  
• Chicken Broth: Used to build the base of the sauce and deglaze the pan.  
  

How to make Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Make sure you don’t forget to reserve a little bit of pasta water before you drain pasta.

While the water boils, grab a large skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown your sausage, breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces. Once it’s browned, I like to use a paper towel to pat away any excess grease if needed.  

Lower the heat to medium heat and add your onions and garlic. Once they are fragrant, stir in your diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let it simmer on medium-low heat until it thickens into a beautiful creamy parmesan sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta, add the parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and you’re ready to serve!  

Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz canned tomatoes (diced or chopped, with juice)
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (for finishing) 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage meat from the casings, add it to the skillet, and break it into pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked.  
2. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. 
3. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice), heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce reduces and thickens.  
4. Cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta, making sure to save a splash of pasta water.  
5. Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.  
6. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.  
7. Serve warm, sprinkled with fresh parsley or finely chopped basil. 

If you like a little extra spice top with red pepper flakes. 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you loved this rigatoni recipe, please leave a star rating!