Christmas and the New Year have come and gone and now it’s time to get back to normal life. Bleh. Sometimes January can seem so bleak after a season of such rich celebration. But to ease the transition and give you something yummy to look forward to, I’m sharing this recipe for Creamy Sausage Rigatoni. Not only can it all be made in one pan, but it takes a total of 30 minutes! Less dishes, more time, and a delicious dinner are my kind of resolutions!
Making the Sausage Rigatoni
The first step to this super easy dinner is to saute a pound of Italian sausage in a large skillet. Chop up an Anaheim chile (removing the seeds) and saute it with the sausage. Cook the sausage on medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. When the meat is about done, put in a tablespoon of minced garlic and saute it about 30 seconds.
Now, add a 24 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce. I usually use my own jarred marinara sauce that I preserve from our garden in the summer, but if that is not available I prefer Prego brand. Stir that around and then add in 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Turn the heat to low and stir the creamy sauce for about 3 to 5 minutes. All the cream cheese should melt and turn the sauce an orange color. Pour in the rigatoni pasta and stir everything together until all the noodles are coated.
For a little extra color and flavor, stir in a couple tablespoons of freshly diced basil and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. I love how this sausage rigatoni never left the pan! It makes it so easy to clean up after dinner.
Creamy sausage rigatoni is a great meal to make and leave on the stove for your family to help themselves. Nowadays, with sports, ballet practice, and differing work schedules, a lot of families prefer these types of meals because they can feed a crowd on a budget and be reheated easily.
Sausage rigatoni is also super delicious and the epitome of comfort food! I haven’t met a kid or adult who doesn’t like it! Try it tonight and let me know what you think!
Need some more 30 minute meals or One-pot dishes? I think you might like Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice, Chicken and Black Bean Fajitas, or One Pot Spinach Pasta Bake. There are even more ideas on my Recipe Index or Pinterest Boards. Please feel free to follow one or all. Happy cooking y’all!
30 Minute One Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta cooked to package directions
- 1 diced Anaheim chile seeds removed
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 24 oz jar pasta sauce
- 8 oz brick cream cheese
- 2-3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage and Anaheim chile on medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the garlic and saute 30 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce and cream cheese.
- Stir frequently on low heat until the cream cheese is melted and sauce is a creamy orange color.
- Add the pasta, basil, and Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly.
- Serve warm garnished with more basil and cheese.