Description
A rich, hearty, and creamy pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. The savory sausage, tender rigatoni, fresh spinach, and garlic come together in a luscious tomato cream sauce that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pan. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach and Sausage: Add the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Return the sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan along with a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480-520
- Sugar: 4-6g
- Sodium: 650-750mg
- Fat: 32-38g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18-22g
- Trans Fat: 0-1g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 22-26g
- Cholesterol: 70-90mg