Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage)
If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both comforting and indulgent, Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage) is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together the heartiness of turkey sausage with the bright, fresh flavors of basil and the rich silkiness of a creamy tomato sauce. Using rigatoni pasta, which holds onto every bit of sauce with its ridges and wide shape, each bite is packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is simple to make and perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends.
Why Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage) is Worth Your Time
This pasta dish strikes a perfect balance between hearty and fresh, creamy and tangy. The turkey sausage adds a lean protein option that’s both flavorful and satisfying, making it a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste. The tomato base is elevated with a splash of heavy cream, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni. Plus, the addition of dried basil and fresh basil leaves gives it a fragrant herbal note that brightens the dish.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease. From stovetop to table in under 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for busy evenings when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And if you love dishes like Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini or Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite in your rotation.
Shopping List
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large pot – for boiling rigatoni pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the sausage and sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
- Colander – to drain pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping onion, garlic, and basil
Make Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage): A Simple Method
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey Sausage
Add the turkey sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The sausage should be nicely browned with no pink remaining.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through and thicken for another 3-5 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Dietary Customizations
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Use gluten-free rigatoni to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Replace turkey sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for different protein options.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrients and color.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Rigatoni should be al dente to hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water. It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh basil for garnish. It adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich sauce.
- Brown the sausage well. This step adds depth and a savory caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Try pairing this dish with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reader Q&A
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey sausage?
Yes! Ground beef or even ground chicken can be substituted if you prefer. Just season it well with Italian herbs and spices to keep that sausage-like flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. Be mindful that the flavor will shift slightly but still remain delicious.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently and add the cream just before tossing with pasta to keep it fresh and creamy.
What’s the best cheese to use for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty finish. You can also try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Serve with These
- Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Flatbread – perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette – balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic roasted asparagus or green beans – adds a fresh, crunchy side.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients and kitchen tools, and dive into making this Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage). It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Sausage Rigatoni (turkey sausage)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the turkey sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The sausage should be nicely browned with no pink remaining.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor and thicken slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through and thicken for another 3-5 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the rigatoni; it should be al dente to hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without diluting flavor.
- Brown the turkey sausage well to add depth and savory caramelized flavor.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to add a bright, fresh finish to the rich sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
