Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach & Tomato

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s full of flavor and packed with goodness, look no further than this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach & Tomato recipe. With savory sausage, tender spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is sure to please every palate.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this recipe is both easy to make and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into how to create this tasty and satisfying meal! 🍽️

---

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich & Creamy – A perfect blend of creamy sauce and savory sausage.
✅ Packed with Flavor – Sweet tomatoes and earthy spinach balance the richness.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
✅ Family-Friendly – Perfect for kids and adults alike!
✅ Hearty & Filling – A dish that leaves everyone satisfied.

---

🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

This creamy sausage rigatoni with spinach and tomato comes together with a few simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

🍝 For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta – You can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• Salt – For seasoning the pasta water.
• Olive oil – To sauté the sausage.

🌭 For the Sausage:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference) – Break it up while cooking for that perfect bite.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – To help brown the sausage.

🍅 For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream – Gives the sauce its richness.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps to create a silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – A great flavor booster.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – For that Italian touch.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

🍃 For the Veggies:

• 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds a pop of green and nutritional value.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, chopped) – Their sweetness balances the richness of the sauce.

---

💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Meat options: If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
• Non-dairy alternative: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free version of your choice.
• Spinach alternative: Kale works well too and can offer a heartier texture.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or swap the mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage to turn up the heat! 🌶️

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach & Tomato:

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.

• Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes), until al dente.
• Drain the pasta but save a cup of pasta water for later.

💡 Pro Tip: Draining the pasta a little early helps it absorb the sauce more effectively!

🥓 Step 2: Cook the Sausage

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove excess fat if necessary, leaving just a little for flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the sausage in batches if needed for even browning.

🍅 Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• With the sausage still in the pan, add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is well combined and starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!

🍃 Step 4: Add Spinach & Tomatoes

• Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir it into the sauce.
• The spinach will wilt quickly, taking just 1-2 minutes.
• Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly but still hold their shape.

🍝 Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sausage and spinach mixture.
• Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavor.
• Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, so everything melds together.

💡 Pro Tip: For an even creamier texture, stir in a little Parmesan cheese at the end!

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This creamy sausage rigatoni is perfect on its own, but here are some fun ideas to elevate your meal:

• Add a side salad: A crisp, fresh salad can help cut through the richness of the pasta.
• Serve with garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love a little extra carb with their pasta?
• Top with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
• Pair with a glass of white wine: A nice Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months if you’d like to keep it for longer.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, covered with foil, to keep it moist.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. The creamy sauce will cling perfectly to any pasta shape! 🍝

2. Is this recipe spicy?

It’s not inherently spicy, but you can easily add heat by using spicy Italian sausage or tossing in some red pepper flakes. 🌶️

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats wonderfully! Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep! 💪

4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can, but be sure to thaw and drain the spinach to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce. Fresh spinach gives the best texture, but frozen spinach works fine in a pinch!

---

🍴 Conclusion – A Comforting, Creamy Pasta Delight

This Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach & Tomato is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With a creamy sauce, hearty sausage, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, each bite is a celebration of flavor.