There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta to comfort your soul. This Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a delightful combination of savory garlic sausage and rich Alfredo sauce, coating every bite of tender rigatoni. It’s perfect for a family dinner or an indulgent treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is a flavor-packed comfort food dream. The garlic sausage brings a smoky, savory kick that perfectly balances the creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder (almost) that feels fancy but is super simple to whip up. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need: rigatoni pasta, garlic sausage, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, and a few pantry staples to tie everything together. Full list of ingredients is at the bottom of the recipe!
Directions
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, brown the garlic sausage until crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Mix in the sausage and let it heat through for a minute or two.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if you’d like.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Save that pasta water! It’s a magical ingredient to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Don’t overcook the sausage; you want it crispy for extra texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor—it melts into the sauce beautifully.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap garlic sausage with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy chorizo for a different twist.
- Add veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you have on hand if rigatoni isn’t available.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a slice of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce is richer, store-bought works in a pinch.
What’s the best way to cook the sausage?
Brown it on medium-high heat until the edges are crisp, ensuring it’s fully cooked inside.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
What other cheese can I use?
You can mix in Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and savory delight of Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni. This comforting pasta dish features tender rigatoni smothered in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce and topped with flavorful sausage. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) garlic sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic sausage and sauté until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to taste.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and browned sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Substitute garlic sausage with Italian sausage or chicken sausage if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg