Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ pound rigatoni pasta; ½ pound mild Italian sausage; ¾ cup small diced yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ¾ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes packed in herbed olive oil, drained; 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1¾ cups heavy cream; 1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re in the mood for something rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how the velvety sauce clings to the rigatoni, melding perfectly with the savory sausage, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach. Every bite feels like a warm hug after a long day—trust me, it’s one of those meals that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer.

This dish shines as a quick weeknight dinner but also holds its own when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. The mix of flavors is simple yet layered, and the creamy sauce is easy to nail, even if you’re new to homemade pasta sauces. I’m excited to share my tips and tricks so you can tackle this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe with confidence and enjoy all the goodness it has to offer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s rich but balanced, with Italian sausage providing the base flavor and sun-dried tomatoes adding a touch of tangy sweetness. I always recommend grabbing fresh spinach for that lovely pop of color and freshness at the end.

Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges and hollow shape catch the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
Olive oil: Adds a nice richness and is perfect for browning the sausage evenly.
Mild Italian sausage: Use uncooked sausage without casing for the best texture and seasoning.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Garlic: A classic flavor boost for any Italian dish—don’t skimp on this.
Italian seasoning blend: A simple way to add those familiar aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a mild kick that livens up the dish.
Unsalted butter: Creates the perfect base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Works with the butter to make the creamy sauce smooth and velvety.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the sauce.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.
Sun-dried tomatoes (julienned, drained): Adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to provide a nutty, savory richness.
Baby spinach: Added at the end for freshness and a lovely green color.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle adds brightness and a fresh herb finish.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand, and you should feel free to make this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe your own. Whether you want to spice it up, lighten it, or add more veggies, there are plenty of ways to customize.

Spicy kick: I’ve added hot Italian sausage instead of mild and upped the red pepper flakes to suit my love for heat—totally worth it!
Vegetarian option: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and maybe a bit of smoked paprika for that umami punch.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux and you’re all set.
Extra greens: Sometimes I throw in kale or arugula along with the spinach for a heartier, peppery twist.
Cheese variations: You can mix in mozzarella or asiago for a different cheese profile, which gives a lovely meltiness.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—remember, the water should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta. Cook the rigatoni until it’s just al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Don’t overcook it here because it will soak up the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but keep a cup of pasta water handy just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage with Aromatics

Heat your skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Toss in the sausage (don’t forget to remove the casing if it comes with one), diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about 9-11 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions become translucent and fragrant. The aroma at this point is seriously enticing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

Remove the sausage mixture from the skillet and drain any excess fat on paper towels. Turn the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk it continuously until it forms a smooth, golden paste—this is your roux. This step is crucial because it thickens the sauce without lumps or floury taste.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, then stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything come to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You’re aiming for the sauce to reduce by about half and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on the heat so the cream doesn’t separate—stirring helps keep it silky.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Greens

Slowly incorporate the shredded parmesan cheese into the sauce until it’s completely melted and smooth. Then toss in the baby spinach, stirring just until it wilts. This keeps the greens fresh and vibrant, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition.

Step 6: Combine Everything and Serve

Return the sausage to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Once it’s all combined and heated through, remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like. At this point, the flavors have melded perfectly, and you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

This image shows a large skillet filled with rigatoni pasta in a creamy light beige sauce. Mixed throughout the pasta are pieces of cooked light brown sausage, dark green spinach leaves, and small strips of dark red sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce looks smooth and coats the pasta and other ingredients evenly. The skillet has a shiny silver rim and handle, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a small bowl of white rice and a white plate with silver forks slightly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always like to finish this dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. A little extra parmesan on top never hurts either—just enough to add a nutty kick without overwhelming the creamy sauce. Some freshly cracked black pepper makes it feel just a bit fancy.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad for a bright contrast. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, I’ve found serving this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan really elevates the experience. You can even drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze around the edge for a restaurant-style touch that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps nicely for up to three days. To prevent the sauce from drying out, I like to add a splash of chicken broth before reheating. This helps restore that creamy texture and keeps the pasta from clumping together.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite because cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, which changes the texture. If you do freeze it, try to consume it within a month and reheat gently, but I find fresh is best for this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. Add a bit of chicken broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. This gentle reheating helps keep the sauce silky and the pasta tender.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild in the Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add more heat and depth to the dish. Just be mindful of the additional spice, especially if you plan to keep or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a great way to customize the recipe to your taste.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk?

You can substitute with half-and-half or milk to lighten the dish, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If you do, reduce the amount slightly and consider thickening with a bit more flour or simmering longer. The luxurious creaminess is key to this recipe, so I recommend sticking to heavy cream if you can.
Can I make this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

It’s possible with substitutions—use a dairy-free butter, a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream, and a vegan parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be different, but you can still achieve a creamy texture. Just be careful to adjust seasonings accordingly since these ingredients often have their own flavors.
What’s the best way to prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low once the cream is added and stir frequently while simmering. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause the fat to separate. Also, incorporating the cheese slowly helps stabilize the sauce and maintains its smooth texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the sausage mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Prepare the sauce and pasta close to serving time for best texture and flavor. If storing the combined dish, reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those fail-proof dishes that always impresses and satisfies. I love sharing it with friends and family, knowing it’s packed with flavor yet simple enough to make any night feel like a special occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—once you do, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!