Description

Creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a rich and comforting Italian-American pasta dish featuring al dente rigatoni enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused Alfredo sauce with savory Italian sausage. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion, this one-pan stovetop recipe combines the hearty flavors of browned sausage, creamy Parmesan sauce, and subtle heat from red pepper flakes for a deliciously indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce & Sausage

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
Make Roux: Push the sausage to the side of the pan, melt the butter in the center, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add Cream Sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve hot, enjoying the rich, garlicky flavors.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a splash of pasta water or an extra tablespoon of butter at the end to loosen the sauce.
Use spicy Italian sausage to add a kick of heat, or substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
If desired, add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas to enhance nutrition and texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.