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    Home » Pasta

    Easy Sausage Rigatoni

    Published: Oct 17, 2019 / Updated: May 22, 2022 / 60 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy sausage rigatoni recipe is made with everyday ingredients. Plenty of Italian sausage simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce makes the best easy dinner!

    close-up of rigatoni and sausage pasta

    Rigatoni with sausage is always a good idea! Ahh I love simple pasta recipes like this one. I made this a spicy sausage rigatoni recipe, but you can definitely stick to mild Italian sausage if you prefer. 

    This one's great for busy weeknights. You can throw it together pretty fast, and most of the cooking is fairly hands-off. 

    Italian sausage rigatoni in two bowls

    Recipe notes:

    • The two types of canned tomatoes I suggest really determine how the sauce turns out. One needs to be much thicker than the other, so substitute with caution.
    • I always get people asking if they can substitute the heavy cream with something lighter. I don't recommend it in this recipe. The acidity of the tomatoes is likely to break the sauce if you don't use heavy cream. You can leave the cream out if you absolutely have to, but I love how cream takes the acidic edge off tomatoes and imparts a richness without having to add too much.
    • If your tomatoes are a bit sour, you can add it a little sugar (start with 1/2 teaspoon or so).
    • If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. 
    • Want to add a bit of wine to the sauce? No problem. I would simmer it a little longer, but the flavor would be amazing. 
    • You may sub the rigatoni with another kind of pasta.
    extreme close-up of spicy sausage rigatoni
    nom nom nom

    This recipe is straight outta the quick and easy sausage pasta recipes section of the Salt & Lavender playbook... 😉

    More pasta with sausage recipes you'll love:

    • Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
    • Tuscan Sausage Pasta
    • Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
    • Cajun Sausage Pasta
    • One Pan Tortellini with Sausage
    • Healthy Chicken Sausage Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
    • One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage

    Italian sausage and rigatoni pasta in two bowls

    Questions about this Italian sausage rigatoni recipe? Talk to me in the comments below!

    close-up of rigatoni and sausage pasta

    Easy Sausage Rigatoni

    This easy sausage rigatoni recipe is made with everyday ingredients. Plenty of Italian sausage simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce makes the best easy dinner!
    4.91 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 4
    Calories 761 kcal
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    Ingredients
     

    • 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
    • 16 ounces Italian sausage (spicy or mild) see note
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
    • 1 (14 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Fresh basil, torn to taste (optional)
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook the rigatoni al dente according to package directions.
    • Meanwhile, sauté the sausage meat and onion over medium-high heat in a skillet until browned (about 8-10 minutes), stirring it occasionally.
    • Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    • Drain a bit of the fat from the pan (I just spoon it out). Don't worry about getting it all.
    • Add the canned tomatoes to the pan. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes (you may need to turn the heat down a bit if it starts bubbling too furiously).
    • Stir in the cream, basil (if using), and season the sauce with salt & pepper as needed. Cook for another minute or two and then toss with the drained pasta.

    Notes

    • For the sausages, anything around the 16 ounce/1 pound ballpark is fine - it doesn't need to be exact. Here in Canada I buy a 500g 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages and take them out of the casings.
    • To get the consistency of the sauce just right, I suggest using the style of tomatoes I recommend (diced and crushed). I'd also be cautious about subbing the cream for anything else (e.g. milk or half-and-half) because the acidity of the tomatoes is likely to curdle it.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 761kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 27gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1114mgPotassium: 948mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 767IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword Italian sausage rigatoni
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Chicken Fajita Soup
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    1. Siobhàn says

      November 24, 2022 at 12:08 PM

      Hi Nathasha I will be trying a few of these recipes over Christmas, I do have a question I can purchase all mutti products here in Ireland , however I wonder when you say diced would they chopped can suffice ( I’m assuming it’s the same , also crushed , I can only get peeled in the mutti can so will I just crush myself , the peeled can looks like thicker consistency. Just want to get it right so apologies for the long message. Thank you in advance. Siobhàn

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 24, 2022 at 2:16 PM

        Hi! Yes, this recipe is quite flexible, so you should be fine. Chopped will work instead of diced. The crushed tomatoes here in North America are generally fairly thick. Yes, I would try the peeled and perhaps drain a bit of the liquid and then crush them yourself. Hope you enjoy the recipe, Siobhàn.

        Reply
        • Siobhàn says

          November 25, 2022 at 9:18 AM

          Thank you for your reply . I know we will enjoy , will report back . Take Care

          Reply
    2. Debra says

      October 13, 2022 at 4:52 PM

      Just made this. Only had half and half but still delious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 13, 2022 at 7:04 PM

        Awesome!!

        Reply
    3. Cheryl says

      May 27, 2022 at 12:25 PM

      5 stars
      I really loved this recipe. I was kind of unsure about the heavy cream, but did everything per your recipe and it came out great. I might throw some add ins the next time, just to put my own spin on it, but the recipe is yum worthy as written - thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        May 27, 2022 at 4:57 PM

        You're welcome, Cheryl!! We're so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Angela says

      May 4, 2022 at 6:08 PM

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I make it fairly often with any sturdy pasta as it is quick and oh, so good. I leave out the cream as we prefer it. I often use both sweet Italian sausage, crumbled, and a few slices of spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s a great way to use up the remainder of red and yellow bell peppers or the last couple of mushrooms, a handful of peas. Very versatile. Thanks for sharing the secret to the sauce; the 2 types if tomato really are the key.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 4, 2022 at 9:00 PM

        I'm so glad it's a hit! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Marianne says

      April 8, 2022 at 11:09 AM

      5 stars
      I used four links (15 oz.) rather than the whole package (19 oz.) and it seemed the perfect amount. The end result was very saucy so I think next time I might use a little more rigatoni. Will definitely be making this on a regular basis because of how easy, delicious and non-time consuming this was to prepare.
      Fantastic. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 8, 2022 at 11:14 AM

        I'm glad it was a hit!! Yup, you can definitely tweak the ingredients a little bit. Here in Canada the sausage size varies a bit... I recently realized the US packs are slightly larger (19 oz.) vs. the 500g (17.6 oz) we get. I think using a pound of sausage meat is probably the easiest way to do it for my US readers (I believe most US grocery stores sell just sausage meat in convenient 16 oz packs).. I am slowly going through my older recipes and updating them to say that since it's easier now that I'm aware USA sizes are different. But yeah, a little more or little less sausage won't typically break a recipe.

        Reply
    6. Kthom says

      February 22, 2022 at 3:30 PM

      5 stars
      Love love love this! Wanted to try something new. Tried to stick with the recipe but only using what I already had! I substituted the tomatoes for basil tomato sauce, skipped the onion and added the suggested crushed red pepper! My toddler and picky husband even loved it! Can’t wait to make again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 22, 2022 at 3:56 PM

        I'm so glad it worked out!! That's great to hear... appreciate you taking the time to write me a review. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Ck says

      January 13, 2022 at 4:33 PM

      5 stars
      I LOVE this recipe! I make it exactly as follows, except I add a pinch of sugar and a little onion powder. I sent this to my mother and she makes it bi-weekly (I am NOT kidding!) 🤤

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 13, 2022 at 8:32 PM

        Thrilled to hear that! And that's so nice of you for sending it along to your mother!

        Reply
    8. Krissy says

      January 10, 2022 at 10:59 PM

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing, I followed the recipe exactly and thought this recipe was delish! My family loved it too!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 11, 2022 at 10:24 AM

        You're very welcome, Krissy!! So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    9. Cindy says

      December 16, 2021 at 7:40 PM

      5 stars
      Adults, teens, and kids in our house all loved it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 16, 2021 at 9:03 PM

        Fantastic!! 🙂 Sounds like a win to me! Love when that happens haha.

        Reply
    10. Evangeline says

      November 24, 2021 at 3:48 PM

      5 stars
      My kids love it!!! Thanks for sharing your recipes

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 24, 2021 at 6:44 PM

        Excellent! You are welcome!

        Reply
    11. Erin Matthews says

      September 20, 2021 at 10:14 AM

      Can I make this sauce a day ahead of making the noodles/eating the dish? (Refrigerate sauce once it cools, then next day warm it and add to cooked noodles)

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 20, 2021 at 10:43 AM

        Yes that will be fine! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kim says

      June 29, 2021 at 8:32 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and my kids loved it as well!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 30, 2021 at 8:48 AM

        Fantastic!!

        Reply
    13. Susan Lembo says

      June 18, 2021 at 7:16 AM

      I'm lactose intolerant. Can I substitute something else for the heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 18, 2021 at 8:46 AM

        Silk brand makes a dairy-free whipping cream you could try. I do also have some other pasta recipes on here with sausage and without cream. Just type "sausage pasta" into the search bar and see what pops up. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Nancy Machcinski says

      March 24, 2021 at 1:51 PM

      Can I make this without the cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 24, 2021 at 1:52 PM

        Sure. You may want to add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic for your tastes, though.

        Reply
    15. Jen says

      February 15, 2021 at 5:39 PM

      5 stars
      Very yummy!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2021 at 6:08 PM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    16. Missy says

      January 25, 2021 at 6:14 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe made me a weeknight hero with my picky kids. Wonderful!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 25, 2021 at 8:36 PM

        That's what I like to hear!! Thank you. 🙂

        Reply
        • LaDonna Wilson says

          July 7, 2021 at 8:57 AM

          Since we are on the farm I make this even easier by using spaghetti sauce, pasta, ground sausage and mozzarella cheese. My family loves it.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            July 7, 2021 at 9:04 AM

            Excellent!!

            Reply
            • Jennifer Tisa says

              August 22, 2021 at 8:50 PM

              Wait what? Spaghetti sauce and none of the ingredients why are you posting here?

    17. Maryanne Buckley says

      October 15, 2020 at 1:44 PM

      5 stars
      Very Delicious! Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 16, 2020 at 9:07 AM

        You're welcome! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Eric says

      May 25, 2020 at 4:44 PM

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Easy to make and well explained steps. I added a little spice to it with the introduction of red pepper flakes. I replaced the canned diced tomatoes with Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis. Will make again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 26, 2020 at 9:14 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it and found it easy to follow, Eric!

        Reply
    19. Nita Rush says

      May 14, 2020 at 7:26 PM

      5 stars
      Forgot the 5 stars!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 15, 2020 at 8:54 AM

        Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Nita Rush says

      May 14, 2020 at 7:21 PM

      This was awesome. Had my grandson for dinner and he's used to his Italian mother and grandmothers cooking. He loved this dish, so hats off to you for an easy, simple and delicious meal. Will definitely repeat!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 15, 2020 at 8:54 AM

        Aww I'm so glad to hear that!!

        Reply
    21. Sheila Lindhorst says

      January 5, 2020 at 5:31 PM

      5 stars
      Tell ya what... this recipe was GREAT!! WOW! What a great share..thank you:) I did sub the heavy cream with cream cheese, only because I forgot to pick up whipping cream at the store....but dang it was very very good!! 5 stars!;

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 6, 2020 at 10:42 AM

        I am so pleased it was a hit, Sheila! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    22. Ashley says

      November 11, 2019 at 2:40 PM

      3 stars
      This recipe was overall good. I’m not too into tomatoes so I only used half a can of petite diced and drained all the juice from it I could. So then I used a cup of heavy cream with shredded/grated Parmesan to thicken. Used mild Italian and added red pepper flakes.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 11, 2019 at 4:45 PM

        Thanks!

        Reply
    23. Sally Miceli says

      November 2, 2019 at 12:20 PM

      Have you tried it with a good jar marinara sauce like Rao’s ?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 2, 2019 at 1:08 PM

        I have not, but that sounds like a tasty shortcut! Let me know if you try.

        Reply
    24. Lachlan says

      October 26, 2019 at 2:57 AM

      5 stars
      Seriously brilliant

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 26, 2019 at 10:55 AM

        Wonderful! 🙂

        Reply
    25. Janel says

      October 23, 2019 at 3:48 PM

      5 stars
      Wow! This is sooo delicious! Super easy and packed with so much flavor with just a few ingredients! Will repeat this for sure.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 23, 2019 at 4:19 PM

        Excellent! So happy to hear it, Janel. Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Jacqui says

      October 21, 2019 at 3:39 PM

      5 stars
      This is so easy and so DELISH! I added a few red pepper flakes for some heat! YUM!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 21, 2019 at 5:16 PM

        So happy you liked it!! Thanks so much for leaving me a comment! 🙂

        Reply
    27. R.A. MCCLAIN says

      October 20, 2019 at 3:33 PM

      5 stars
      How about a transcription using the Instant Pot?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 21, 2019 at 9:25 AM

        Hi! Hmm... pasta recipes in the IP can be tricky. I would have to do some testing. This is a pretty straightforward stove-top recipe, so I am not really sure what the benefit of cooking it in the IP would be?

        Reply
    28. Brette says

      October 20, 2019 at 9:33 AM

      I make this but your recipe sounds better. I will definitely try it. The sausage I get from a real Italian market is leaner and tastier than the packaged grocery-store variety and comes in mild or hot.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 20, 2019 at 1:57 PM

        Mmmm I bet it is delicious!! I love my local Italian shop... I don't get there nearly enough. Let me know if you make this recipe 🙂

        Reply

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