Sausage with Rigatoni in Spicy Cream Sauce is pure comfort food and makes an easy and delicious weeknight meal. This recipe strikes a delightful balance between the acidity of the tomatoes and the indulgent creaminess of the sauce. The flavor starts with onion and garlic which are sauteed with the sausage for maximum flavor. A can of diced tomatoes and a can of tomato sauce are then added. I think it’s nice to have a few chunks of tomato in an otherwise creamy sauce. A tablespoon of tomato paste really ups the tomato flavor. This recipe has the perfect balance between tomatoes and cream.  A half a cup of cream makes it plenty rich and creamy‚ but doesn’t make it heavy. A little salt‚ pepper‚ dried basil (you could use fresh)‚ and red pepper flakes are all that’s needed for the sauce as far as seasoning. Parmesan cheese is added last minute to the sauce for more flavor‚ plus it helps thicken the sauce. Use either hot or mild sausage. I usually go with hot. Whenever I make this pasta dish‚ I think- I don’t cook rigatoni nearly enough! I love the chewiness and substance it has. This dish is the epitome of comfort food! How To Serve Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Cream Sauce This spicy sausage rigatoni dish tastes great topped with some chopped fresh basil‚ garlic bread‚ and a garden salad with Creamy Italian Dressing. Variations Use penne or ziti in place of rigatoni. Use turkey sausage in place of Italian sausage. Leave the red pepepr flakes out if you don’t want it spicy. Never miss a recipe. Follow Spicy Southern Kitchen on Pinterest and Instagram. More Easy Pasta Recipes Southern Spaghetti Sauce Spicy Tomato Cream Pasta Pepperoncini Pasta Sauce Pasta with Sausage Cream Sauce Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Italian Sausage Manicotti Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is to make. Print Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Cream Sauce Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Spicy Cream Sauce makes an easy weeknight meal. The sauce has the perfect balance between tomatoes and cream. Course Main CourseCuisine AmericanKeyword pasta‚ sausage Prep Time 5 minutes minutesCook Time 25 minutes minutesTotal Time 30 minutes minutes Servings 5 Calories 754kcal Author Christin Mahrlig Ingredients12 ounces Rigatoni pasta1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium onion‚ chopped1 pound Italian sausage Remove from casings if in casings‚ use either sweet or spicy3 cloves garlic‚ minced1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes‚ undrained1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce1 tablespoon tomato paste1/2 teaspoon dried basil1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese InstructionsHeat olive oil in a large pan and cook onion until it starts to soften. Add sausage‚ and break it into pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks.When sausage is no longer pink‚ add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain off any excess fat.Add diced tomatoes‚ tomato sauce‚ tomato paste‚ basil‚ salt‚ red pepper flakes‚ and black pepper and simmer until thickened‚ about 15 minutes.Meanwhile‚ cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and place drained pasta in a large bowl.Add cream and simmer another 5 minutes‚ Turn heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese.Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat. NotesNutritional info is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used. Not to be used for specific dietary needs. NutritionCalories: 754kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 1444mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 839IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 4mgWant to Save This Recipe?Save This Recipe Originally posted September 6‚ 2015. The post Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Cream Sauce appeared first on Spicy Southern Kitchen.