Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

For the Sausage and Pasta:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or any pasta shape you like)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the sausage)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

How to Make Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps to create your own creamy, flavorful Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni at home:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Sausage:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. If you’re using spicy sausage, you’ll notice a lovely, fragrant spice beginning to fill the kitchen!
• Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If there’s excess fat in the pan, you can drain some of it, but leave a little for flavor.

3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a little extra heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes at this point.

4. Combine the Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce:

• Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the Alfredo sauce until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and make it creamier.
• Stir in the cooked sausage, mixing it evenly with the pasta and sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve and Garnish:

• Once everything is well combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Serve the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni in bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

• Use fresh Parmesan: For the richest, most authentic flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
• Customize the sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. If you’re not a fan of sausage, feel free to substitute it with chicken, bacon, or vegetarian sausage.
• Add veggies: To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the mix. Simply sauté the vegetables with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream.
• Make it lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a versatile dish that works well for a variety of occasions:

• Weeknight dinners: It’s quick and easy enough for a satisfying weeknight meal but flavorful enough to feel like a special treat.
• Date night or dinner parties: The rich flavors and creamy texture make it an excellent choice for a romantic date night or a small dinner party.
• Comfort food: This dish is pure comfort food, making it a great choice for chilly nights or when you’re craving something filling and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and savory sausage, then Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a must-try recipe! With its velvety sauce, hearty sausage, and satisfying rigatoni pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, yet packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and indulgent, give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!