One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Garlic & Spinach

There’s something comforting about a creamy pasta dish that comes together in just one pan, especially on a cozy evening when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Garlic & Spinach is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family gatherings, or those moments when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

The inspiration for this dish comes from traditional Italian-American home cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into rich, satisfying meals. Growing up, pasta nights were all about bringing everyone to the table, sharing stories, and enjoying something warm and homemade. This recipe captures that spirit by combining tender rigatoni, savory chicken or beef sausage, fresh garlic, and vibrant spinach in a creamy sauce that clings to every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Rigatoni Recipe

This creamy sausage rigatoni recipe stands out because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

• One pan means easy cleanup

• Rich, creamy garlic sauce

• Hearty and filling meal

• Perfect for busy weeknights

• Family-friendly comfort food

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Ingredients (With Measurements)

• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) chicken or beef sausage, sliced or crumbled

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach leaves

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan-style cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large deep skillet with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

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How to Make One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Creating the perfect creamy sausage rigatoni starts with layering flavors and cooking everything carefully so that the pasta, sausage, and sauce come together beautifully. While the recipe may look simple, each step is important to build depth and richness. Follow these instructions closely for the creamiest, most flavorful one-pan pasta experience.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by selecting a large, deep skillet or sauté pan. A wide pan is essential here because it allows the sausage to cook evenly and gives you enough space to add pasta and sauce later. Place the pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Let it heat until the fat shimmers lightly, which indicates it’s ready for the sausage.

Add your 12 ounces of sliced or crumbled chicken or beef sausage to the pan. Spread it out evenly so that each piece has direct contact with the hot surface. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the sausage to steam rather than brown. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a golden crust before stirring. Then, stir occasionally over the next 5–7 minutes. You want each piece to be nicely browned, which not only adds flavor but also a rich aroma that fills the kitchen.

Once the sausage is cooked through and golden, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate. This step ensures the sausage doesn’t overcook later and gives you a flavorful base for the sauce. Leave any browned bits in the pan—they will help flavor the sauce when we add the liquids.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add 1 medium diced yellow onion. Use the leftover sausage fat for extra flavor; if your sausage was lean, add a touch more olive oil. Sauté the onion over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes slightly translucent. This creates a natural sweetness that balances the savory sausage.

Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly, so stir constantly and cook for only about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish. This combination of onions and garlic forms the aromatic base of your creamy sauce, giving it a depth that makes every bite irresistible.

At this stage, you can also sprinkle in a pinch of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toasting the seasonings lightly in the pan helps release their natural flavors and makes your sauce taste more robust.

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Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Once the aromatics are soft and fragrant, it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth followed by 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits left from the sausage. These bits, known as fond, are key to creating a rich, savory sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want it hot enough that small bubbles appear around the edges, but not boiling vigorously, which could curdle the cream.

Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta to the pan, making sure most of it is submerged in the liquid. If any pasta sticks out above the liquid, gently press it down with a spoon. This ensures even cooking and allows the pasta to absorb flavor from the sauce.

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Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Cover the pan with a lid and let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for about 12–15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the rigatoni from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce instead of boiling it separately allows it to soak up flavor and results in a creamier, more cohesive dish.

Check the pasta for doneness near the end of cooking. The rigatoni should be tender but still slightly firm in the center—what Italians call al dente. If the sauce seems too thin at this point, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Conversely, if it becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

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Step 5: Add Spinach and Sausage

After the pasta is perfectly cooked, return the browned sausage to the pan. Gently stir to distribute it evenly throughout the pasta.

Next, add 3 cups of fresh spinach leaves. The heat of the sauce will quickly wilt the spinach, usually within 1–2 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even wilting. Spinach adds vibrant color, a mild earthy flavor, and extra nutrients, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.

At this point, taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that enhances the flavors.

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Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Lower the heat to avoid scorching and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan-style cheese. As the cheese melts, it will thicken the sauce and make it luxuriously creamy. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

For extra flavor, sprinkle in a little more Italian seasoning or a touch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta, sausage, spinach, and sauce are fully combined. At this point, your one-pan creamy sausage rigatoni is ready to serve.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Rigatoni

Use a wide pan to ensure even cooking.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
For extra creaminess, add an additional 2 tablespoons of cheese.

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Best Times to Serve This Recipe

This dish is ideal for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Variations You Can Try

Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni if preferred.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy-free alternative.

What type of sausage works best?
Chicken or beef sausage works perfectly for this recipe and keeps it flavorful without using pork.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms all pair beautifully with this dish.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based pasta dishes are best fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

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Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Sausage Rigatoni with Garlic & Spinach is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy garlic sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite while keeping cleanup simple. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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