Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce. With the wonderful flavors of roasted garlic and melted Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to please both kids and adults. The creamy sauce paired with the hearty rigatoni and delicious Italian sausage makes it a filling meal. Plus, the roasted garlic adds a unique taste that takes this dish to the next level!
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, prepared al dente
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Serve this creamy rigatoni hot, right after cooking. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
- Use Fresh Garlic: Roasting your garlic at home enhances the flavor, making the dish even better.
- Cook Sausage Thoroughly: Make sure the sausage is fully cooked for the best taste and safety.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the rigatoni to al dente ensures that it holds up well in the sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe! Try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Additionally, you can use different types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne if you prefer.
Q2: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
Q3: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative to reduce the calories. However, this may alter the creaminess of the sauce.
Enjoy making this creamy and delicious pasta dish that is sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, prepared al dente
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced Use any preferred type of Italian sausage
- 1 head of garlic, roasted Roast the garlic at home for better flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or non-dairy alternatives
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best results
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
