Creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe: A Flavor Blast!

Creamy pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this garlic sausage alfredo rigatoni that promises pure comfort.

Rich, hearty flavors dance through every bite of this irresistible dish.

Tender rigatoni noodles embrace the robust garlic sausage with a velvety alfredo sauce that melts seamlessly.

The combination creates a symphony of textures and tastes that warm you from the inside out.

Savory sausage adds depth and character to this classic pasta preparation.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, meaty, and satisfying elements.

Dive into this indulgent recipe and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 234 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Large, ridged tubes perfect for catching creamy sauces, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and authentic Italian experience.

• Garlic Sausage, Butter: Delivers rich, deep flavor profile and creates luxurious foundation for dish, choose artisan or local sausage with robust garlic notes.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta sticking and adds subtle Mediterranean undertone, opt for extra virgin variety for superior taste.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates silky, indulgent Alfredo base with complex tangy and nutty dimensions, select freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor intensity.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and characteristic pungent warmth, use fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor.
• Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Introduces delicate spice complexity and enhances overall sauce sophistication, freshly ground spices recommended.
• Parsley or Basil: Offers bright, fresh garnish that cuts through richness, choose vibrant green herbs for visual appeal.
• Salt: Balances and elevates entire dish's flavor profile, use sparingly and taste before final seasoning.

Kitchen Tools To Make Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage and creating creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked rigatoni quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting board: Great for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring sauce and mixing pasta ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings and spices.

How To Cook Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Pasta Dance

Bring a big pot of water to life with a generous sprinkle of salt. Drop in rigatoni and let it twirl until perfectly tender. Drain and give a quick olive oil massage to keep those noodles from getting clingy.

• Sausage Sizzle

In a roomy skillet, coax the garlic sausage into a beautiful golden-brown transformation. Once it’s fully cooked, lift it out while keeping those delicious pan drippings behind.

• Creamy Magic

Using the same skillet, melt butter and welcome minced garlic, letting it whisper its aromatic secrets. Pour in rich cream and invite Parmesan to the party. Sprinkle in black pepper and a hint of nutmeg. Let everything mingle and thicken into a luxurious blanket of flavor.

• Pasta Symphony

Reunite the sausage with its creamy companion. Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni, ensuring every inch gets wrapped in deliciousness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

• Plate and Celebrate

Nestle the pasta onto waiting plates. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra dusting of Parmesan. Enjoy immediately while the comfort is at its peak.

Simple Swaps And Helpful Tips For Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Perfect Pasta Plating Tricks: Serve immediately after mixing to keep the sauce creamy and prevent pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
• No-Fail Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality garlic sausage with robust flavor; Italian or Spanish varieties work best for authentic taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use dairy-free Parmesan alternative for lactose-intolerant guests. Replace butter with olive oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa flour. Check sausage ingredients to ensure no wheat-based fillers are present.
• Spice Level Enhancement: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce for extra heat. Sprinkle chili oil on top for additional kick and depth of flavor.

How To Dish Up Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table for a hearty, satisfying meal that celebrates comfort and flavor.
• Gourmet Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Companion Delight: Uncork a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red Pinot Noir to complement the garlic sausage's robust profile.
• Bread Basket Completion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the luxurious Alfredo sauce and add extra texture.

Storage Advice For Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep the dish refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain optimal taste and safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta to prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking down delicate ingredients.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Chop garlic, slice sausage, and grate cheese in advance. These steps can save 15-20 minutes during actual cooking time, making meal preparation smoother and faster.

Creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic sausage alfredo rigatoni invites pasta enthusiasts on a comforting culinary journey through Italian-inspired flavors. Rich sauce and hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll savor until the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) garlic sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook rigatoni in heavily salted water until al dente, drain completely, and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sausage Performance: Brown garlic sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a caramelized exterior. Remove sausage while preserving the rendered fat for sauce enhancement.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden, releasing deep, rich flavors that will permeate the entire dish.
4. Sauce Transformation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, integrate Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the sauce achieves a smooth, luxurious texture that clings elegantly to pasta.
5. Harmonious Fusion: Return seared sausage to the creamy sauce, gently fold in cooked rigatoni, ensuring each pasta tube is completely coated with the decadent mixture, creating a seamless culinary experience.
6. Elegant Presentation: Transfer the saucy rigatoni to serving plates, embellish with fresh parsley or basil, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for depth, and serve immediately while the sauce remains irresistibly warm and inviting.

Notes

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Salt water generously and cook rigatoni exactly to al dente to ensure optimal bite and prevent mushiness, maintaining pasta’s structural integrity.
• Fat Management: Reserve sausage rendering fat for extra flavor depth, using it as a secret weapon to enhance sauce’s richness and complexity.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping, creating smooth sauce without grainy texture.
• Customization Options: Substitute garlic sausage with spicy Italian sausage or vegetarian sausage alternative for dietary flexibility, keeping core recipe structure intact.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg