Pasta is a go-to comfort food that everyone loves, but sometimes, we need a little extra something to elevate it to the next level. Enter Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni – a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines savory sausage with the luxurious, velvety smoothness of Alfredo sauce. This dish is packed with bold flavors, from the garlicky sausage to the creamy sauce that coats every piece of rigatoni.
Imagine twirling a forkful of pasta that’s coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with slices of juicy sausage. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is sure to hit the spot. The combination of garlic sausage, Parmesan cheese, and a delicate Alfredo sauce makes this dish a winner every time. Perfect for those who want something indulgent yet simple to make, this recipe will become a household favorite in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic sausage links, sliced (you can use any kind of garlic sausage, but a high-quality sausage will really shine in this dish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (this will make the Alfredo sauce rich and smooth)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- ½ cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor to the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
This Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. The sausage will release its flavors into the oil, creating a fantastic base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Stir it around for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Toss the cooked rigatoni pasta into the skillet, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to allow it to soak up some of that creamy goodness.
Step 7: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately!
Variations
This dish is highly versatile, so feel free to get creative with substitutions or additions to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- For a lighter version: Use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream. You can also use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version: Skip the sausage entirely and opt for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also try using plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Swap out the pasta: While rigatoni is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti.
Cooking Notes
- Sausage choice: The flavor of your sausage plays a big role in this dish, so choose a garlic sausage that’s high in quality. You can even try different varieties like smoked sausage or spicy sausage to change up the flavor profile.
- Don’t overcook the cream sauce: Keep an eye on the heavy cream as it simmers. If it’s cooked for too long, it can separate or become too thick. Stir occasionally and adjust the consistency with pasta water if needed.
- Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can often lack the depth of flavor and can result in a grainy texture in your sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is hearty and filling on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a more well-rounded meal, here are some ideas for complementary sides and garnishes:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta. Try a simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pasta with some roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious contrast.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works well too.
Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make the sauce and cook the sausage ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just boil the pasta and toss it with the sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 21g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the pasta is best when freshly made, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve. Cook the pasta fresh before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use any sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze the sauce and sausage mixture for up to 3 months. However, the pasta may not hold up as well after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to cook fresh pasta when you reheat the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, creamy flavors of Alfredo with savory garlic sausage. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to please. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your tastes. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more delicious pasta ideas, be sure to check out our other tasty recipes. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic sausage links, sliced (you can use any kind of garlic sausage, but a high-quality sausage will really shine in this dish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (this will make the Alfredo sauce rich and smooth)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- ½ cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor to the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
This Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. The sausage will release its flavors into the oil, creating a fantastic base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Stir it around for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Toss the cooked rigatoni pasta into the skillet, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to allow it to soak up some of that creamy goodness.
Step 7: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Sausage choice: The flavor of your sausage plays a big role in this dish, so choose a garlic sausage that’s high in quality. You can even try different varieties like smoked sausage or spicy sausage to change up the flavor profile.
- Don’t overcook the cream sauce: Keep an eye on the heavy cream as it simmers. If it’s cooked for too long, it can separate or become too thick. Stir occasionally and adjust the consistency with pasta water if needed.
- Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can often lack the depth of flavor and can result in a grainy texture in your sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 35
- Protein: 21