Description
Culinary magic emerges with garlic sausage alfredo rigatoni, a creamy Italian-inspired pasta promising rich flavor profiles. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a comforting meal perfect for hungry palates craving authentic, satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 454 g (1 lb) rigatoni pasta
Protein:
- 340 g (12 oz) garlic sausage
- 2 cloves garlic
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
- 60 g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese
- 30 g (1/4 cup) cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Carefully drop rigatoni into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, slice garlic sausage into thin, uniform rounds, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté sausage slices until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and release their aromatic oils.
- Mince garlic cloves finely and add to the sausage, stirring quickly to prevent burning and infuse the meat with intense garlic essence.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet, stirring constantly to integrate with the sausage and create a velvety foundation.
- Incorporate cream cheese and parmesan, whisking vigorously to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Drain rigatoni, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and immediately transfer to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Gently toss pasta to coat thoroughly, using reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of sausage, sauce, and pasta.
Notes
- Swap garlic sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Toast parmesan cheese briefly before adding to sauce for enhanced nutty undertones and deeper complexity.
- Reserve pasta cooking water strategically to adjust sauce thickness without compromising creamy texture.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes for subtle heat if you enjoy spicier Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1010 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg