Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Italian Sausage Pasta

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Italian Sausage Pasta
Servings 4
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with rigatoni, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a garlic cream sauce. Easy, hearty, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 12 oz uncooked rigatoni
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained)
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, begin browning the Italian sausage over medium heat. After about 3–4 minutes, add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and the onions are soft. Reduce the heat to low, then add the garlic, marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the fragrant aromas. Remove the sausage mixture to a plate and cover with foil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and capture all those flavorful brown bits left behind by the sausage. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture reduces by about half. This step can take 15–20 minutes, so be patient—it’s what gives the sauce its luscious, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters

  • Once reduced, turn the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

  • Return the sausage mixture to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the rigatoni is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Continue cooking over low heat until everything is heated through.
  • Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.