Name: Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb garlic sausage (sliced or crumbled); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed pasta that tastes like a special-occasion meal but comes together in just 30 minutes, Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Every bite is a delicious mash-up of garlicky sausage, perfectly al dente rigatoni, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every noodle. Whether you’re impressing guests or just want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this hearty pasta is guaranteed to wow.

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni so irresistible? It all starts with a short list of easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. Achieving that signature creamy, savory flavor is truly about balance, and here’s how it all comes together:

Rigatoni Pasta: These tube-shaped noodles are perfect for holding the rich Alfredo sauce, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
Olive Oil: A slick of olive oil helps brown the sausage and adds a subtle fruity base to the dish.
Garlic Sausage: The hero of this recipe—choose smoked or your favorite style for that deep, savory flavor infusion.
Fresh Garlic: Four cloves mean serious garlic flavor, tying together the sausage and creamy sauce for a crave-worthy aroma.
Unsalted Butter: Adds silkiness and helps the garlic bloom in the skillet, enhancing the whole sauce.
Heavy Cream: This is where the decadent Alfredo magic happens—delivering that luscious, velvety texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty Parmesan is essential for the best Alfredo; freshly grated is always a treat.
Italian Seasoning: Brings subtle herbal notes that keep the rich sauce feeling bright and balanced.
Black Pepper: A little pepper adds gentle heat and complexity to the creamy sauce.
Salt: Season to taste, especially since Parmesan can be salty already.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your rigatoni. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—you might need a splash to loosen the sauce later. Once drained, set the rigatoni aside so it’s ready for its cheesy, garlicky bath.

Step 2: Brown the Garlic Sausage

Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add your garlic sausage, whether it’s sliced rounds or crumbled. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nice and caramelized on the edges. This step builds incredible flavor, so be patient—it’s worth it! Transfer the browned sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it out; those sausage bits spell flavor!), melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer, letting everything meld.

Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Season

Once the cream is bubbling at the edges, stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring as the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. If it gets too thick, that reserved pasta water will help thin it out while keeping things creamy.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Return the cooked rigatoni and browned sausage to the skillet. Toss gently so the pasta is evenly coated and each strand gets hugged by the luscious Alfredo sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, just to help all the flavors come together and ensure everything is piping hot.

How to Serve Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Garnishes

A finishing flourish really elevates Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni. Sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped parsley over the top for brightness and a burst of color. For extra indulgence, add a bit more grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper just before serving—it’s all about those little touches.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich, so pair it with something light and crisp. A simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, while roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans make perfect, unfussy sides. Don’t forget a slice of warm, crusty bread to swipe through the sauce at the end!

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for instant comfort food vibes or plate it individually with a twist of rigatoni artfully stacked in the center. For an extra-special touch, serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens or a drizzle of truffle oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce might thicken a bit as it sits, but that just means it’ll be even richer the next day!

Freezing

While the pasta and sausage freeze well, creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, let the dish cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep things creamy, reheat Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just stir in a splash of liquid and heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any fully-cooked sausage like chicken, turkey, or even spicy andouille will work. Just keep the garlic notes if you want that classic flavor profile.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, try using half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich. For a non-dairy version, unsweetened oat or cashew cream can work in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it isn’t, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or penne to make a delicious gluten-free Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas are fantastic stirred in with the pasta. This is an easy way to boost nutrients and add color without losing the dish’s creamy personality.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

To keep the Alfredo sauce smooth, always simmer gently and avoid boiling once the cheese is in. Add pasta water a little at a time if the sauce starts to look too thick during tossing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni a try soon—it’s everything you want in a comfort food: creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying. Let it become your next weeknight hero or the centerpiece of your next cozy dinner with friends. Enjoy every forkful!

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni recipe. Perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce with savory garlic sausage, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings.