Looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s ready in no time? This Italian sausage pasta in a
tomato cream sauce is the ultimate comfort meal!
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There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of pasta during the chilly winter season. It’s hearty but not heavy. It’s cozy heaven in a bowl! This Italian sausage pasta combines al dente rigatoni, zesty Italian sausage, and a delicious tomato cream sauce. Then, when you top it with fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and plenty of parmesan, you’ve got a pasta night masterpiece that’s impossible to resist!
Looking for more sausage recipes? Try my Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, and Sausage Tortellini Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
This dish has all the best elements of Italian comfort food:
- Bold flavors: The rich, savory sausage and creamy tomato sauce pack a punch of flavor that’s perfectly hearty and indulgent.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by choosing spicy or sweet sausages and tweak the creaminess to suit your preference.
- Simple to make: It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
- Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is fabulous for family dinners that everyone can enjoy, or for entertaining guests of all ages—it’s always a hit!
Ingredients
- Rigatoni – this is the best pasta for holding onto the creamy sauce with its ridged surface and tubular shape. No rigatoni? Penne works well too!
- Italian sausage – whether you prefer spicy or sweet, removing the sausage from its casing so it melts and mixes well into the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes – crushed tomatoes have a bit more texture than smooth tomato sauce. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor!
- Yellow onion – finely chopped yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the rich flavors of the sausage.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce for a little sweet, garlicky flavor!
- Heavy cream – adjust the amount of cream to taste for a luscious, velvety texture that cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil – olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and adds depth to the sauce.
- Basil – fresh basil provides a fragrant finish that brightens up the dish.
- Whole milk ricotta – a dollop of creamy ricotta on top adds a luxurious touch and balances the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano – generously grated cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
FAQs
Spicy Italian sausage adds a kick of heat that complements the creaminess of the sauce, while sweet sausage offers a milder, more savory profile. Choose whichever matches your flavor preference!
Rigatoni, penne, or any other short, ridged pasta shapes work best because they hold onto the sauce to coat the entire noodle. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti for this recipe.
Store leftover Italian sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
What to Serve With Italian Sausage Pasta
Pair this dish with my Caprese Salad or Italian Salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty pasta dish. Looking for simpler veggie options? Broiled Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli do the trick! And don’t forget warm rolls to soak up the extra sauce.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!
If you’ve tried this Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni, or penne
- 4 large spicy or sweet Italian sausages
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil, to garnish
- Ricotta cheese, to garnish
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or parmesan), to garnish
Instructions
- Cook and crumble sausage meat out of the casing in a dry pot over medium heat.
- In a large pot, add onion, garlic and olive oil. Over medium heat, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Turn heat to medium-low and add sausage and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer while occasionally stirring for 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream to create a blush sauce. Stir in a handful of basil. Heat until just hot but not bubbling
- Remove from heat and add in the pasta. Stir until combined.
- Spoon into pasta bowls, adding a garnish of fresh basil, a generous dollop of ricotta, and grated cheese. Yum!
Notes
- Don’t want cream? Skip it! Want more? Add a splash more!
- Feel free to use chicken sausage if you’d like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Absolutely incredible! Easy recipe to follow but tastes like Iโm eating in the north end of Boston!
Ahh what a compliment! Thanks for letting me know.
Grace