Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Quick Benefits

Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that combines savory Italian sausage, roasted garlic Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. The creamy Parmesan sauce and bold flavors make this dish a true crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients

To prepare this delicious and hearty pasta dish, gather the following 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 basil
• 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 the sauce

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni until al dente.
   • Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until browned.
   • Stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
4. Make the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce:
   • Mash the roasted garlic cloves into a paste.
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
   • Add the heavy cream and mashed garlic, stirring gently (do not boil).
   • Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, whisking until melted.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together flour and heavy cream, then stir into the sauce to thicken it.
5. Assemble & Bake:
   • Pour the Alfredo sauce over the sausage mixture and stir to combine.
   • Add the cooked rigatoni and mix well.
   • Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.
   • Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Italian sausage provides muscle-building protein.
• Calcium-Rich: Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium for bone health.
• Energy-Boosting Carbs: Rigatoni offers sustained energy from complex carbohydrates.
• Healthy Fats: The combination of olive oil and cream provides essential healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
• Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
• Vegetable Side: Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach.
• Extra Heat: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Creative Variations

• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey sausage.
• Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra cheesiness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a wheat-free option.
• Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms add extra depth and earthiness.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave with a splash of cream.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will soften more in the oven.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Roast Garlic for Extra Flavor: Roasting garlic adds sweetness and depth to the Alfredo sauce.
• Balance the Richness: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the meal.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes after baking for the sauce to set perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What type of sausage works best?
Sweet Italian sausage adds the best flavor, but you can use spicy or mild varieties.

3. Can I substitute the rigatoni with another pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or fettuccine work well with this sauce.

4. How can I make this dish less heavy?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

5. What can I do with leftovers?
Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Enjoy your Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

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