Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The Italian sausage adds bold, savory flavor, while the mushrooms bring an earthy richness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying and indulgent. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to dress up for a special occasion or enjoy as a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 teaspoons butter
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat in the cream sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with minced fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Makes about 4–6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the cream sauce.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just brown it briefly in the skillet before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta, sausage, and mushrooms ahead, but add the cream sauce fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers pair wonderfully with this pasta.

Is this dish spicy?

Italian sausage has mild to medium spice, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Sausage and Mushroom Pasta is a creamy, savory, and easy-to-make dish that satisfies every craving for comfort food. With tender mushrooms, flavorful sausage, and a rich cream sauce tossed with rigatoni, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings. A simple sprinkle of parsley makes it look as good as it tastes, making this recipe a staple for any pasta lover.