If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and effortless dinner, look no further than this One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of hearty Italian sausage, al dente rigatoni, and a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with cream and fresh spinach. Every bite delivers a wonderful harmony of textures and tastes, from the savory sausage to the tender pasta, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This recipe quickly became a personal favorite because it’s satisfying and surprisingly easy to pull off on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing the rich, comforting flavors of this One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe. Each component adds something special, from the meaty depth of Italian sausage to the vibrant freshness of spinach, making this dish a well-rounded and colorful meal.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground: Provides bold flavor and protein; choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce base.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Offers a classic herbal note that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 28 ounce can kitchen ready ground peeled tomatoes: Forms the rich tomato base, giving a rustic, chunky texture.
- 1 ½ cups water: Helps cook the pasta and melds all the ingredients together.
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta: Captures sauce inside its ridges, delivering flavor in every bite.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess that balances acidity from the tomatoes and enriches the sauce.
- 5 ounces bag of baby spinach: Brings vibrant color and a fresh, healthy touch.
How to Make One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground Italian sausage. As it cooks, crumble the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the sausage is partially browned but still slightly pink inside. This step builds the rich meaty base for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss the diced yellow onion into the pot. Stir it together with the sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and develop sweetness. This melds wonderfully with the savory sausage.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. This fragrant step adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Pasta, and Water
Pour in the can of ground peeled tomatoes, rigatoni pasta, and 1 ½ cups of water. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce and become perfectly al dente.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Once the rigatoni is just tender, stir in the heavy cream. This turns the sauce silky and rich. Then add the baby spinach gradually, stirring it slowly as it wilts down into the sauce. When the spinach has fully softened, remove the pot from heat and prepare to serve.
How to Serve One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top. These garnishes add a pop of brightness and a cheesy finish that perfectly complements the creamy, savory rigatoni.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a light mixed green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also ideal for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a twist of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. You could also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a dollop of ricotta on top for extra creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, transfer the rigatoni to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, skip fresh garnishes like basil to preserve their brightness until serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Stir occasionally to warm the dish evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni captures sauce perfectly, penne, ziti, or even shells work well as they hold onto the sauce nicely and cook similarly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a similarly hearty vegetarian version.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat depends on the Italian sausage you select. Choose mild for a gentle flavor or spicy sausage if you like a little kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to increase spiciness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! You can partially prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time, then add the pasta and spinach right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you might use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. Coconut cream can be a good dairy-free alternative that also adds a unique flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe is a total game changer when you want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Its simple ingredients come together in a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give it a try soon — it might just become one of your go-to weeknight favorites as it is for me!
Print
One Pot Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender rigatoni pasta, and fresh baby spinach all cooked together in a creamy tomato sauce. Prepared in a single pot, this recipe simplifies dinner time while delivering rich, satisfying flavors perfect for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Produce
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 oz bag of baby spinach
Pantry Items & Dairy
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 28 ounce can kitchen ready ground peeled tomatoes (Pastene)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the hot pot and crumble it while cooking. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until some pink still remains inside the meat, ensuring it’s partially cooked.
- Add the onions: Add the diced onions to the pot with the sausage. Stir to combine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften slightly and start to become translucent.
- Season with garlic and basil: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and kosher salt. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add tomatoes, pasta, and water: Pour in the canned ground peeled tomatoes, rigatoni pasta, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture cook for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be al dente at the end of this period.
- Finish with cream and spinach: Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Then add all the baby spinach to the pot and gently fold it in as it wilts down. Once the spinach is fully wilted, remove the pot from heat. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter or richer sauce.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
