Creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Pasta Bake
Looking for a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that’s packed with bold Italian flavor? This Creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is the perfect family dinner! Loaded with spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese – this easy one-pot pasta recipe will become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients:
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
4 tbsp butter
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Italian Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Fresh Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:
Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst, about 5 minutes. Stir in the drained spinach and cook until heated through.
5. Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Cook until sauce is smooth and warm (do not boil).
6. Combine and Finish:
Add Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy. Return sausage and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve:
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy garlic Alfredo pasta masterpiece!
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners or Special Occasions!
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