If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both comforting and exciting, this Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy Alfredo sauce wraps each rigatoni tube in rich, cheesy goodness while slices of garlicky sausage add a flavorful, savory punch. The perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, this dish comes together quickly and will surely become one of your go-to weeknight favorites. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe, it’s hard to imagine your pasta nights without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible creamy texture.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The perfect tube shape to hold onto all that luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 4 garlic sausage links, sliced: Adds a punch of savory garlic flavor and meaty richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For browning the sausage perfectly and carrying the flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the silky, rich base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The cheesy heart of the sauce, making it creamy and flavorful.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the cream slightly while adding savory undertones.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbal finish to lift the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rigatoni in generously salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. This step is crucial because the pasta should be tender yet firm to soak up the Alfredo sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready for the sauce and sausage to join the party.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic sausage and let it brown on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning adds a beautiful caramelized flavor to the sausage, making every bite savory with just the right amount of crisp edges. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring occasionally as the mixture gently simmers. This creates the creamy base that will wrap your rigatoni and sausage in decadent flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt fully and thicken the sauce. The cheese not only adds creaminess but also a savory complexity that brings the Alfredo to life. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every mouthful is perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Now, bring everything together. Add the cooked rigatoni and browned sausage back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly in that irresistible Alfredo sauce. This step guarantees that every forkful delivers the perfect balance of pasta, sausage, and creamy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This simple garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens up the rich, creamy flavors. Serve the dish hot and watch your friends and family dig in with big smiles!
How to Serve Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. The garnishes bring not just visual appeal but also a contrasting fresh element to balance the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dish with something crisp and refreshing to keep the meal balanced. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also perfect to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with crispy fried sage leaves or caramelized onions. You could even bake it briefly with some extra cheese on top for a gratin-style finish. Presentation that excites the eye makes the experience even more memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to three days, making it a great candidate for meal prep or next-day indulgence with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe, but be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze only the pasta and sausage without garnishes, and defrost slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to restore that creamy texture. Microwaving is also possible but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal due to its shape that holds sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine could work nicely. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so your pasta is perfectly al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the garlic sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or simply add sautéed mushrooms and roasted vegetables for that savory depth without meat.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
To lighten the Alfredo sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep an eye on the sauce as it may be less thick but still delicious.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can slice and cook the sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh, but boiled pasta can be prepped earlier and reheated just before serving.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Chianti or Pinot Noir will complement the garlic sausage without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent to make dinner feel special without complicating your evening. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished classic on your dinner table!
Print
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni recipe featuring tender pasta tossed with browned garlic sausage and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sausage and Sauce
- 4 garlic sausage links, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni and browned sausage into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Garlic sausage can be substituted with Italian sausage or any flavored sausage of your choice.
- Adjust chicken broth quantity to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary when combining.
