One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of pasta—especially when it’s drenched in a velvety sauce, packed with savory sausage, and comes together in just one pot. This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni hits every comfort-food note with minimal fuss. Perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 40 minutes.

With bold Italian sausage, a creamy tomato-infused sauce, and perfectly tender rigatoni that clings to every drop of flavor, this dish delivers indulgence without overcomplication. Finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan, it’s rustic, rich, and irresistibly good—plus, only one pot to wash!

Why You’ll Love It

• One-Pot Simplicity – No need for multiple pans or extra cleanup.
• Rich, Layered Flavor – Sausage, garlic, tomato paste, and cream create a sauce that’s both bold and comforting.
• Perfect Pasta Texture – Simmered right in the sauce, the rigatoni soaks up all that flavor.
• Quick & Convenient – From prep to plate in under 40 minutes.
• Crowd Favorite – Hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
• Flexible & Forgiving – Works with different proteins, pastas, or even vegetarian swaps.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Efficiency is everything with one-pot meals!

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot – Distributes heat evenly for proper browning and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for breaking up sausage and stirring pasta without damaging your cookware.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Helps keep ingredient ratios spot-on.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping garlic and herbs.
• Grater or Microplane – Fresh Parmesan = superior flavor and meltability.
• Ladle or Serving Spoon – For easy portioning.

Prep Tips for Success

• Mise en place – Prep everything ahead: sausage crumbled, garlic minced, herbs ready. It makes cooking smooth and stress-free.
• Use high-quality sausage – Go for Italian sausage with a good fat content. It’s the flavor foundation of this dish.
• Deglaze with purpose – Don’t skip scraping up the sausage bits—they add serious flavor to your sauce.
• Stir the pasta occasionally – This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Add the cream at the end – Keeps the sauce silky and prevents curdling.

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta – Hearty and ridged, perfect for holding onto sauce.
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage – Mild or spicy, casings removed.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps with even browning and flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a subtle, warming heat.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the savory tomato flavor.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Adds richness and cooks the pasta directly.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Brings luscious, creamy texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and salty balance.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A classic blend to round out the flavor.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste – Adjust to taste at the end.

Finishing Touches

• Fresh basil, torn or chopped – Bright, herbal freshness.
• Chopped parsley (optional) – For color and a pop of flavor.
• Extra Parmesan, for topping – Always a good idea.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease, but leave a bit in the pot for added flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sausage. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until darkened slightly—this step enhances the umami.

Step 3: Add Pasta & Broth

Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Add uncooked rigatoni and stir well, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cream & Cheese It Up

Once pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Season & Finish

Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper. Add fresh basil and optional parsley. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Dish into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and basil, and serve warm. This is comfort food at its best.

Recipe Notes

• Pasta swaps: Penne, ziti, or fusilli all work well. Just adjust cook time.
• Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of cream, or try a dairy-free alternative.
• Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Vegetarian version: Sub sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use veggie broth.
• Scaling: Easily doubled for meal prep or entertaining.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pot – Use a large enough pot so pasta cooks evenly.
• Skipping the stir – Stir every few minutes so pasta doesn’t clump.
• Adding cream too early – Wait until pasta is cooked to avoid curdling.
• Overcooking pasta – It’ll keep cooking even off the heat. Stop at al dente.
• Using pre-grated cheese – It doesn’t melt smoothly; grate it fresh for best results.
• Forgetting to taste – Sausage is salty, but you still need to balance at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a few simple sides to elevate the meal:

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for sauce-sopping.
2. Caesar Salad – Creamy, crisp, and a classic contrast to the richness.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts – Earthy greens add a bitter balance.
4. Caprese Salad – Light and acidic with tomato, basil, and mozzarella.
5. Grilled Asparagus – Add lemon zest for a zingy finish.
6. Antipasto Platter – Cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies.
7. Toasted Focaccia – For extra herbaceous, crunchy goodness.
8. Chianti or Sparkling Water – A light red wine or lemony fizz to cleanse the palate.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to rehydrate the sauce.
• Pro Tip: Don’t overheat or the sauce may separate. Reheat just until warmed through.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 Servings)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Calcium: 180mg
• Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or shells work great. Just monitor for doneness.

2. What type of sausage is best?
Italian sausage—either pork or chicken, mild or spicy—is ideal. Just remove casings.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based cream (like oat or coconut) and vegan Parmesan.

4. My sauce is too thin. What do I do?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce. If too thick, stir in extra broth or milk.

5. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.

6. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes. Make it a day ahead and reheat gently. Add broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

7. Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Stovetop yields best texture, but yes—it can be adapted. Use sauté mode to brown, then pressure cook briefly with pasta and broth.

8. Can I swap the herbs?
Try thyme, oregano, or chives. Even arugula stirred in at the end adds a nice peppery note.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a true kitchen MVP: rich, comforting, deeply flavorful, and ready with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just need a no-fail family favorite, this dish brings people to the table fast—with smiles and seconds guaranteed. Save it, share it, and come back to it again and again.