Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni: A Tasty Delight

Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

By Lina.

December 6, 2025

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The aroma of creamy pesto chicken sausage rigatoni wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace of tantalizing scents that promise a delightful meal. Picture this: tender rigatoni coated in velvety pesto sauce, mingling with juicy chicken sausage and sprinkled with fresh herbs. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience.

As I stirred up my first pot of creamy pesto chicken sausage rigatoni, I remembered the time my best friend declared it “life-changing” after just one bite. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. Get ready to dive into a world of flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

This incredible Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly

When I made this dish for my family, their delighted faces told me everything I needed to know—this recipe was a winner!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Rigatoni Pasta: Choose al dente pasta for a satisfying bite that holds sauces beautifully.
Chicken Sausage: Opt for flavorful chicken sausage; it brings a savory depth to the dish.
Fresh Basil Pesto: Use homemade or store-bought pesto; choose quality for maximum flavor impact.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic sweetness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
Cherry Tomatoes: Provides a pop of freshness and color; they balance the richness of the cream.
Olive Oil: A splash is perfect for sautéing garlic and enhancing flavors throughout the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every component of the recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned.

Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with sausage. Cook until they soften slightly, releasing their juices—about 4 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream along with basil pesto. Stir gently until well combined, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.

Toss with Pasta and Cheese: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce mixture along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until pasta is well coated.

Serve Warm: Plate up your creamy pesto chicken sausage rigatoni while still warm! Top with additional Parmesan if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation!

This creamy pesto chicken sausage rigatoni is not only easy to prepare but also delivers an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy cooking this delightful dish while basking in its vibrant colors and enticing aromas!

You Must Know About Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

This showstopping Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken sausage until golden brown. While that sizzles, cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water until al dente. Finally, prepare your creamy pesto sauce with garlic and cream in a separate pan, then combine everything together for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap chicken sausage for Italian sausage or even vegetarian options depending on your dietary preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce’s consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

This professional-quality Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly

It was a rainy Tuesday when I first made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They declared me a culinary genius after just one bite, which made my heart swell like a perfectly cooked pasta.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni?

Rigatoni is fantastic due to its ridges that hold onto sauces beautifully. You can also use penne or fusilli if you prefer a different shape. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente to maintain its structure when mixed with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components separately: cook the rigatoni and sausage ahead of time, then mix them with the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes! Swap out chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance taste while keeping it hearty.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, try adding red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage instead of regular chicken sausage. A dash of hot sauce during preparation can also give it a nice kick without overwhelming flavors.

Conclusion for Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni

Creamy Pesto Chicken Sausage Rigatoni is an easy yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion. By mastering cooking techniques, personalizing flavors, and storing leftovers properly, you’ll create a comforting meal that delights everyone at your table. So grab those ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy every creamy bite!

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