Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. Remember, home cooking is all about flexibility.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach, cooking until wilted.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Remember to give yourself grace in the kitchen. If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, let it simmer a bit longer. Cooking is all about adjusting to your tastes and preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Spinach, recipe, cooking, food
