Creamy Sausage & Spinach Rigatoni

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni (cooked until al dente)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• red pepper flakes (optional pinch)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package directions.

2. 2

   Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

3. 3

   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles with a spoon as it browns.

4. 4

   Add the diced small yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion has softened.

5. 5

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. 6

   Add the 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes.

7. 7

   Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

8. 8

   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

9. 9

   Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach and stir until the leaves are just wilted.

10. 10

    Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly.

11. 11

    If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

12. 12

    Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the whole dish. Save a little pasta water for reheating leftovers. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad for the perfect cozy dinner.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• dinner
• creamy
• sausage
• one-pan
• comfort food