Ah, Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni! What a delightful dish to warm the heart and please the palate! This recipe combines the wonderful flavors of sweet Italian sausage with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, all generously enveloping tender rigatoni pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Making Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is easier than one might think. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting and delicious meal that feels like a warm embrace. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Plus, the creamy texture of the sauce clinging to the pasta is just heavenly.
Lastly, this dish embodies that delightful feeling of comfort food. It is rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Every bite is an invitation to linger at the table just a little bit longer and savor the moment. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this fabulous recipe!
How to Make Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Ingredients:
8 ounces rigatoni pasta, prepared al dente
1 pound Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10-12 leaves fresh basil or 2-3 teaspoons dried
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 head roasted garlic
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 3⁄4 cups heavy cream
1 1⁄4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese for topping
2 teaspoons flour
2 tablespoons heavy cream (to thicken sauce)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Cook the rigatoni according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle some olive oil over it to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook thoroughly. Remove from heat and stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
For the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce: Remove roasted garlic cloves from skins and mash. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add heavy cream and mashed garlic, warming without boiling. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until melted.
In a small bowl, combine flour and heavy cream until smooth. Add this to the cheese sauce, stirring until thickened.
Pour the Alfredo sauce over the sausage mixture and stir to combine. Add rigatoni and mix well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shaved Parmesan on top.
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Serving Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is all about presentation and enjoyment. Once your dish comes out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you time to prepare a lovely table setting. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
As you dish out the pasta, consider pairing it with a light side salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the richness of the Alfredo sauce. This adds balance to your meal and makes for a well-rounded dining experience. A slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping in any leftover sauce is also a treat not to be missed!
Finally, be sure to serve this delightful dish with plenty of love and warmth. Share it with family and friends, enjoy delightful conversations, and appreciate the comfort of a meal made with care. A glass of white wine or sparkling water makes a lovely addition to the table, ensuring that each bite is cherished.
Additional Tips:
For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
You can use whole wheat rigatoni for a healthier option.
Don’t forget to save a bit of cheese for a delicious finishing touch right before serving!
Nutrition Facts:
(Per serving, approximate values)
Calories: 800
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrate: 60g
Fat: 45g
Fiber: 2g
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the refrigerator, but allow an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
What can I serve with Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables to add some color and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little cream or water if the sauce thickens.
Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
And there you have it! A luscious recipe for Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni that is simple to make and oh-so-delicious. Buon appetito!
Print Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Ingredients
8 ounces rigatoni pasta, prepared al dente
1 pound Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10-12 leaves fresh basil or 2-3 teaspoons dried
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 head roasted garlic
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 3⁄4 cups heavy cream
1 1⁄4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese for topping
2 teaspoons flour
2 tablespoons heavy cream (to thicken sauce)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
Cook the rigatoni according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle some olive oil over it to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook thoroughly. Remove from heat and stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
For the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce: Remove roasted garlic cloves from skins and mash. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add heavy cream and mashed garlic, warming without boiling. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until melted.
In a small bowl, combine flour and heavy cream until smooth. Add this to the cheese sauce, stirring until thickened.
Pour the Alfredo sauce over the sausage mixture and stir to combine. Add rigatoni and mix well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shaved Parmesan on top.
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve hot and enjoy!
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