Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Ingredients 🛒:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti rigatoni
- 4 links of sliced garlic sausage
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions 👨🍳:
- Cook the Rigatoni:
- Boil the rigatoni in salted water until al dente, following the directions on the box. Reserve a little of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic sausage slices and brown them on both sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently while stirring.
- Add the Cheese:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and the sauce to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked sausage and rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes ⏱
Preparation Time: 10 minutes ⏱
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 🍽️
Total Calories: 650 kcal per serving
FAQs for Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute garlic sausage with any sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish lighter?
To make this dish lighter, you can use reduced-fat cream or swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You could also use a lower-fat Parmesan cheese or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While the pasta and sauce are best served immediately, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat and toss with the freshly cooked pasta.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can make a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free cream substitute (like coconut cream or almond milk) and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Look for a vegan sausage to complete the dish.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1-2 months. When reheating, be aware that the sauce may separate, so stir well and add a little milk or cream to smooth it out.
7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms would be a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni!