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- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter.
- Add the garlic sausage and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). If using crumbled sausage, break it up as it cooks.
- Remove sausage from skillet and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan for flavor.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet.
- Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir until everything is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
🧀 Tips for Success
- Use quality sausage: Garlic-flavored Italian sausage (pork or chicken) gives this dish its signature taste.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is ideal so the rigatoni holds its shape and texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-packaged.
- Double the sauce if you love it extra creamy!
🥦 Variations to Try
- Add veggies: Try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a nutritional boost.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and more chili flakes.
- Go gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Try chicken or shrimp instead of sausage for a lighter protein option.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
✅ Final Thoughts
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is the kind of dish that brings people to the table with anticipation—and keeps them coming back for seconds. It’s bold, creamy, satisfying, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or just indulging in a comforting meal at home, this recipe hits the spot every time.
Would you like a one-pan version of this recipe or tips for meal prepping it in advance?
