Spicy Sausage Rigatoni - Amazing pasta recipe made with rigatoni tossed in a homemade tomato cream sauce with spicy sausage, parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Done in under 30 minutes.
Spicy Sausage Rigatoni is not only delicious but it is super easy to make. This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes. You can easily adjust the heat level based on the amount of red pepper flakes you use.
This pasta dish will serve about 4 people. If you are cooking for a larger crowd, simply double the recipe.
Ingredients you need to make Spicy Rigatoni:
Rigatoni - You'll need a half pound of short cut pasta. I used rigatoni but you can also use penne, ziti, etc.
Italian Ground Sausage - A half pound of ground Italian sausage. I used a half roll of hot Italian sausage, but you can use your favorite ground sausage - like Jimmy Dean, etc.
Garlic - I highly recommend using fresh garlic cloves but you can also use jarred minced garlic. If you are in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt).
Red Onion - You'll need a cup of chopped red onion. You can also use yellow, white or sweet onion if that's all you have on hand.
Heavy Cream - One cup of heavy cream is required for this dish. I don't really recommend any substitutions for this. The only thing that could work as a substitution would be half and half. The sauce may end up a bit runnier because it's thinner than heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese - Freshly grated parmesan cheese off the block is highly recommended. You can also use pre-grated parmesan cheese.
Tomato Paste - A third cup of tomato paste will be needed in this recipe.
Butter - You can use salted or unsalted butter.
Olive Oil - Any olive oil you prefer. You can also use avocado oil since we are only using 1 tbsp.
Parsley - Fresh chopped parsley is needed for this recipe. You'll need two tablespoons.
Red Pepper Flakes - This is where the spice comes in. I used two teaspoons of red pepper flakes for a spicier pasta. You can use 1 - 3 teaspoons based on the spice level you prefer.
Tools to have on hand for this recipe:
- Large Skillet and Saucepan – To boil the pasta & to cook your sauce in.
- Cooking Spoon – To stir sauce while cooking.
- Cutting Board _ For prepping onions and garlic.
- Chef Knife – Prepping onions and garlic.
- Measuring Spoons + Cups – To ensure all of your ingredients are properly measured.
How to make the best, easy Spicy Sausage Rigatoni:
Brown ground sausage in a large skillet until completely cooked through. Scoop sausage out of the skillet and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess grease. Carefully wipe down skillet with paper towels to remove any grease.
Boil rigatoni according to package instructions for al dente. When done, drain and set aside.
While your rigatoni is cooking, prepare the sauce by adding butter and oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until soft, add garlic and cook another minute.
Stir in tomato paste, salt, and parsley. Slowly begin to whisk in heavy cream until fully combined. Stir in parmesan cheese and 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want your pasta.
Add sausage and rigatoni to the sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle top with more fresh parsley and parmesan cheese (optional). Enjoy!
Side dishes to pair with pasta:
Simple Caesar Salad - My quick and easy caesar salad is made with homemade dressing, crunchy romaine, croutons and freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
Easy Homemade Garlic Bread - Classic garlic bread recipe with one secret ingredient that places this garlic bread above the rest.
No Knead Artisan Bread - Simple and delicious bread loaf recipe that requires very little effort! Just add all ingredients to a bowl, stir the dough, let rise, and bake!
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Fresh Spaghetti Pomodoro - Best easy homemade pomodoro sauce made with fresh tomatoes, basil, onions, and garlic. Tossed with spaghetti and finished with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Southwest Chicken Alfredo - Creamy and delicious southwest style chicken pasta is the perfect easy dinner recipe. Made with seasoned pan seared chicken, onions, garlic and penne pasta tossed in a mouthwatering southwest style cream sauce.
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More favorite pasta recipes you'll love:
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta - Super easy and delicious chicken pasta recipe made with spinach tossed in a creamy ricotta sauce. This pasta is the ultimate easy dinner recipe perfect for the whole family.
White Chicken Lasagna Rolls - Super delicious lasagna roll recipe made with shredded chicken, three cheeses and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- ½ lb. Rigatoni
- ½ lb. Ground Italian Sausage
- 1 cup Red Onion chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1-2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Brown ground sausage in a large skillet until completely cooked through. Scoop sausage out of the skillet and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess grease. Carefully wipe down skillet with paper towels to remove any grease.
- Boil rigatoni according to package instructions for al dente. When done, drain and set aside.
- While your rigatoni is cooking, prepare the sauce by adding butter and oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until soft, add garlic and cook another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, and parsley. Slowly begin to whisk in heavy cream until fully combined. Stir in parmesan cheese and 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want your pasta.
- Add sausage and rigatoni to the sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle top with more fresh parsley and parmesan cheese (optional). Enjoy!
Teddy
SO GOOD!!! One of my favorite dinners.
Amanda Cooks & Styles
Hi Teddy! Thank you so much for your nice review!! It's one of our favorites too :)Amanda
S
This came out AMAZING! Super creamy and perfect with the sausage!
KC
This was SO yummy! I had to improvise a bit, since I had less heavy cream than I thought. I doubled the recipe, so I did 1 1/4C of heavy cream and 3/4C chicken stock to make up for it. I also added a shake or two of basil and Italian seasoning and less red pepper flakes. So creamy and delicious!
Amanda Cooks & Styles
KC! I'm so happy you enjoyed this pasta! :)Amanda
Raven Atherton
So yummy and very quick to make, perfect amount of spice!!
Amanda Cooks & Styles
Hi Raven! Thank you so much for your nice review! :)Amanda