Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni combines rigatoni pasta and herb-flavored sausage tossed in a creamy roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. This pure comfort food will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Pasta Bake

There’s nothing quite like a hearty pasta dish to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. While classic chicken Alfredo holds a special place in many hearts, sometimes a delightful twist is exactly what’s needed to refresh your meal rotation. Our Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni offers an exceptional culinary experience, masterfully blending savory Italian sausage with perfectly cooked rigatoni, all embraced by a luxuriously creamy, homemade roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a pure comfort food sensation designed to become a beloved staple, providing a flavorful departure from the everyday.

Imagine the robust, herb-infused Italian sausage, browned to perfection, mingling with chewy rigatoni pasta. Now, picture all of it coated in an Alfredo sauce that transcends ordinary – rich, velvety, and deeply aromatic from slow-roasted garlic. Baking this creation further enhances its appeal, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a bubbly, golden-brown topping. It’s a dish that promises gourmet taste without overly complicated steps, making it perfect for both bustling weeknights and leisurely weekend gatherings. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and indulge in this incredibly satisfying baked masterpiece!

Why Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

While many home cooks frequently turn to chicken for their Alfredo dishes, incorporating Italian sausage introduces a layer of richness and a complex flavor profile that transforms the entire meal. The inherent spices and fats within high-quality Italian sausage render beautifully, infusing the pasta and sauce with a savory depth that stands up wonderfully to the creamy Alfredo.

Rigatoni pasta, with its distinctive large, tubular shape and ridged exterior, is an ideal choice for this recipe. Its structure is perfectly designed to capture and hold both the luscious Alfredo sauce and the crumbled pieces of savory sausage, ensuring that every single bite is packed with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The baking process is another key element that sets this dish apart. It allows the components to meld together, creating a casserole-like consistency and a delightful, slightly browned crust on top. This method intensifies the flavors and delivers a truly comforting, oven-fresh experience that is hard to beat.

Selecting the Perfect Sausage for Your Alfredo Pasta Dish

The choice of sausage is paramount in defining the character of your Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize the flavor and spice level to suit your family’s preferences. While sweet Italian sausage provides a classic, mellow foundation, there are several exciting options to explore.

Exploring Italian Sausage Varieties:

• Sweet Italian Sausage: This is an excellent starting point for a balanced, approachable flavor. It’s typically seasoned with fennel, garlic, and sometimes parsley, offering a gentle herbaceousness without any heat. It’s a fantastic choice for those who prefer a milder taste or are serving a diverse group.
• Hot Italian Sausage: For those who appreciate a fiery kick, hot Italian sausage is infused with red pepper flakes and other spices, delivering a satisfying warmth. This robust flavor stands up beautifully to the richness of the Alfredo sauce and can be further customized with additional chili flakes if you dare.
• Mild Italian Sausage: A fantastic middle-ground option, providing the quintessential Italian seasoning blend without the pronounced sweetness or the intense heat, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Alternative Sausage Choices and Flavor Considerations:

While Italian sausage is traditional, other ground sausages can also be considered, though it’s important to match their distinct profiles with the creamy Alfredo base:

• Breakfast Pork Sausage: Often seasoned with maple or sage, this type of sausage can introduce a sweeter or more pronounced herbaceous note. While unconventional for Alfredo, it could offer an intriguing flavor twist for the adventurous cook.
• Mexican Chorizo: This sausage is characterized by its vivid color and bold, spicy seasoning, typically including paprika and chili powder. Mexican chorizo would impart a very assertive, smoky flavor profile. If you’re a fan of strong, spicy notes, this could be an exciting, albeit different, variation. Remember that chorizo often releases a significant amount of oil during cooking, which might need to be drained thoroughly.
• Turkey Sausage: For a lighter, leaner alternative, ground turkey sausage is an excellent option. To maintain a similar flavor profile, look for varieties that are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs. Because turkey sausage has less fat, you might need to add a bit more olive oil to the skillet to prevent it from sticking during browning.
• Chicken Sausage: Similar to turkey sausage, ground chicken sausage can also be used. Opt for an Italian-seasoned version to ensure it complements the other flavors in the dish.
• Andouille Sausage: Typically a smoked and pre-cooked sausage from Cajun cuisine, Andouille’s strong smoky flavor and firm texture mean it wouldn’t brown and crumble in the same way as raw ground sausage. Its robust taste might also overpower the delicate notes of the Alfredo, making it generally unsuitable for this particular recipe.

Regardless of your selection, ensure you’re using a raw, ground sausage that can be easily crumbled and cooked thoroughly. The key is to brown the sausage well to develop a rich, caramelized flavor that will perfectly enhance the overall dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Crafting this delightful baked pasta dish involves two primary components: a flavorful, herb-infused sausage mixture and a luscious, homemade roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. Paying attention to the quality of each ingredient will ensure a truly outstanding meal.

For the Savory Sausage Mixture:

• 1 lb. Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage: Or your preferred variety of ground Italian sausage. This is the star protein, providing robust savory flavors and texture.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and assisting in the browning of the sausage. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• 1 medium Onion, chopped: Provides a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth that complements the sausage and garlic.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick to the sausage mixture, distinct from the mellow roasted garlic in the sauce.
• 10-12 leaves Fresh Basil, chopped: Fresh basil brings a bright, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor. If fresh basil is unavailable, 2-3 teaspoons of dried basil can be used as a substitute, but be aware that dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the sausage mixture properly. Always taste and adjust as you cook to achieve perfect balance.

For the Irresistible Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce:

The homemade Alfredo sauce, especially with roasted garlic, is what elevates this dish from good to unforgettable. Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent flavor into a sweet, caramelized, and profoundly aromatic paste, which adds incredible depth and smoothness to the sauce.

• 1 head of Garlic, roasted: This is a key ingredient for the signature flavor. To roast, simply slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. This process yields a sweet, spreadable garlic paste that is far superior to raw garlic in an Alfredo sauce.
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any classic Alfredo sauce, providing richness and a silky mouthfeel. Using unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall saltiness of your dish.
• 1 ¾ cups Heavy Cream: Absolutely vital for that characteristic luxurious, creamy consistency. Avoid substituting with lighter creams or milk, as they will not achieve the same richness or thicken properly, risking a thin or watery sauce.
• 1 ¼ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Emphasizing “freshly grated” cannot be overstated. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or less smooth. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, creating a superior texture and delivering an authentic, nutty flavor.
• Salt to taste: Used to enhance and balance the flavors in the sauce. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already quite salty, so season judiciously.
• ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic finish that rounds out the flavors of the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons Flour mixed with 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (slurry): This simple thickening agent, a roux-like slurry, is essential for achieving a consistently luscious, perfectly thickened Alfredo sauce that coats the pasta beautifully without being too thin or breaking.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Reserved for topping the assembled dish before baking, it creates a beautiful, bubbly, and savory crust.

The Perfect Pasta Partner: Rigatoni

You will need 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta, which typically equates to about half a standard box. Rigatoni’s large, ridged, and tubular shape makes it exceptional for capturing generous amounts of the rich Alfredo sauce and savory sausage bits in every forkful. If rigatoni is not readily available, other robust tubular pasta shapes such as **penne** or **ziti** serve as excellent substitutes, providing a similar texture and impressive sauce-holding capabilities.

Mastering the Recipe: How to Make Sausage Alfredo Pasta

Creating this delectable Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a delightful journey through simple, well-defined steps. Each stage is designed to build layers of flavor, resulting in a profoundly satisfying meal. Let’s walk through the process to bring this comforting dish to your table.

Part 1: Preparing Your Pasta and Sausage Mixture

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish using cooking spray or a pat of butter. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your baked pasta can be easily served.
2. Cook the Rigatoni to Perfection: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for an “al dente” texture – firm to the bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta can become mushy. Once al dente, drain the water thoroughly and, to prevent sticking, drizzle the cooked pasta with a small amount of olive oil. Set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Return your large skillet to medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. Be vigilant at this stage; garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked.
4. Brown the Italian Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the sausage apart into small crumbles. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no pink color remains. This step is vital for developing rich flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the final dish from being overly oily.
5. Season the Sausage Mixture: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped basil (or dried basil), and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer this flavorful sausage mixture into a large mixing bowl and set it aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

Part 2: Crafting the Silky Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce

The creamy, deeply flavored Alfredo sauce infused with roasted garlic is the true star of this dish. Its luxurious texture and complex taste will captivate your palate.

1. Prepare Roasted Garlic Paste: If you haven’t already, ensure your head of garlic is roasted and cooled enough to handle. Gently squeeze the soft, caramelized cloves from their papery skins into a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the cloves until they form a smooth, fragrant paste. This transformative step mellows the garlic’s pungency and enhances its natural sweetness. For a more detailed guide on roasting garlic, you can refer to our article on The Best Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce We’ve Ever Eaten.
2. Melt Butter and Warm Cream with Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low to medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, pour in the 1 ¾ cups of heavy cream and add the mashed roasted garlic paste. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it is very warm and just beginning to steam around the edges. It is crucial at this stage to *avoid bringing the mixture to a boil*, as heavy cream can easily curdle or separate if boiled aggressively, compromising the sauce’s smooth texture.
3. Whisk in Parmesan and Season: Reduce the heat to low. Add the 1 ¼ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continuously whisk the sauce until the Parmesan cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated, creating a perfectly smooth, luscious, and cohesive sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce for Perfect Consistency: In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the 2 teaspoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until you achieve a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the simmering Alfredo sauce in the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue stirring and gently heating for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired rich and velvety consistency. This step ensures your Alfredo perfectly coats the pasta without being watery.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking Your Comforting Alfredo Rigatoni

The final steps bring all the delicious components together for their grand finale in the oven.

1. Combine All Components: Pour the freshly made, warm roasted garlic Alfredo sauce over the cooked sausage mixture in the large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until every piece of sausage is generously coated in the creamy sauce. Now, add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the bowl and gently mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully enveloped by the rich, flavorful sauce and interspersed with the savory sausage.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top: Carefully pour the entire contents of the bowl into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly. Generously sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. This layer of cheese will melt and form a beautiful, golden, and slightly crispy crust during baking, adding another delightful dimension to the dish.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly, the sauce is heated through, and the top is beautifully golden brown and lightly caramelized. The enticing aromas filling your kitchen will signal that a delicious meal awaits!
4. Rest and Serve Warm: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny when dished out. Serve warm and savor every comforting bite of your homemade Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni.

Elevate Your Dish: Baked Alfredo Rigatoni Additions & Variations

One of the true joys of home cooking is the freedom to customize and experiment. While our Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni recipe is incredibly flavorful on its own, there are many simple ways to enhance its taste, add complexity, or incorporate extra goodness.

Flavor Boosters to Consider:

• Italian Seasoning: A generous pinch or two added to either the sausage mixture or the Alfredo sauce can beautifully amplify the classic Italian herb flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a spicier kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added to the sausage as it browns or stirred directly into the Alfredo sauce. Adjust to your desired level of heat.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley: A vibrant garnish of fresh parsley just before serving adds a burst of color and a light, herbaceous freshness that brightens the rich dish.
• A Hint of Nutmeg: A small grating of fresh nutmeg (literally just a pinch!) in the Alfredo sauce might sound unusual, but it’s a classic secret ingredient in many creamy white sauces that subtly enhances their rich flavor without being overtly detectable.

Nutrient-Rich Vegetable Additions:

Incorporating vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value and adds vibrant color but also introduces delightful new textures and flavors. Many of these can be sautéed with the onion and garlic, or lightly steamed before being folded into the pasta mixture.

• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, chopped and sautéed until tender-crisp, add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Sliced cremini (baby bella) mushrooms contribute a wonderful earthy, umami depth. Sauté them until they’re golden brown to unlock their full flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce, or directly into the combined pasta mixture before baking. The residual heat will quickly wilt them.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives offer a briny, salty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Diced and lightly sautéed, these mild vegetables add moisture and a delicate flavor, perfect for a lighter touch.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes can introduce an intense, concentrated sweet-tart tomato flavor and a pleasant chewy texture to the dish.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Leftover Pasta

This delectable Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni isn’t just a fantastic meal for the present; it’s also an excellent candidate for meal planning and enjoying as convenient leftovers. With a bit of foresight, you can extend the pleasure of this comforting dish for several days.

Optimal Storage for Leftover Pasta:

Following proper storage guidelines is crucial for maintaining the quality, flavor, and safety of your leftover baked rigatoni:

• Rapid Cooling: Ensure that any leftover baked rigatoni cools down to room temperature within two hours of serving. This practice is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer the leftover pasta into a clean, airtight container. Alternatively, if you plan to store it in its original baking dish, cover it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. An airtight seal prevents air exposure, which can dry out the pasta and sauce, and also keeps other refrigerator odors from affecting its flavor.
• Refrigeration: Store the covered pasta securely in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will maintain its quality and taste for approximately 3-4 days.
• Gentle Reheating: To reheat, portion out your desired amount. You can warm it gently in the microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, or place it in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Bake at a moderate temperature, around 300°F (150°C), until it is heated through. If the sauce appears too thick or dry after chilling, stir in a small splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to help loosen it and restore its creamy texture.

Can You Make Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This dish is exceptionally well-suited for advance preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re planning to host guests. Preparing it ahead of time can significantly reduce stress and cooking time on the day it’s served. Follow these steps for successful make-ahead preparation:

1. Assemble Up To Baking: Follow the recipe instructions precisely through all the cooking and mixing stages, right up until the point where you would place the dish into the oven for baking. This means you will have cooked the pasta, browned the sausage, prepared the luxurious Alfredo sauce, and combined all these components in your chosen baking dish, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.
2. Cover and Refrigerate: Once fully assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or cling wrap. Place it directly into the refrigerator. It can be stored this way for up to 6 hours without significant loss of quality. For longer storage, up to 24 hours, it is generally best to store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers and combine them just before baking. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming overly soft.
3. Baking from Cold: When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to sit on your countertop for approximately 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats. This helps to bring it closer to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
4. Adjust Baking Time: Since you will be baking the dish from a chilled state, it will require a slightly longer cooking time than specified in the recipe. Expect to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until the pasta is thoroughly heated through, the sauce is bubbly around the edges, and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Beyond Rigatoni: Other Favorite Pasta Recipes to Explore

If you’ve savored the comforting embrace of our Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, you’ll be delighted to explore the vast and delicious world of other pasta possibilities. Pasta dishes are renowned for their versatility, satisfying nature, and often make for perfect family meals or delightful leftovers.

• Baked Stuffed Shells: Indulge in jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture, lovingly baked in your favorite marinara sauce. This dish offers a savory, deeply satisfying meal bursting with classic Italian flavors.
• Pepperoni Pizza Pasta: Dive into another delightful casserole that marries the fun and familiar flavors of your favorite pizza with the comforting essence of pasta. Imagine rigatoni tossed with zesty pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden.
• Spinach and Cheese Manicotti: Experience the elegance of delicate crepes filled with a luscious mixture of fresh spinach and various cheeses, then smothered in a savory pasta sauce and baked to perfection. This makes for a truly satisfying and often vegetarian-friendly option.
• Classic Lasagna: The quintessential make-ahead dish, featuring layers of wide pasta noodles, a rich meat sauce (or a robust vegetable alternative), a creamy béchamel or ricotta mixture, and abundant cheese, all baked until bubbling and golden.
• Spaghetti Carbonara: A timeless Roman classic. This simple yet incredibly rich dish features spaghetti tossed with crispy pancetta or guanciale, emulsified with egg yolks, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

More Delicious Ways to Use Sausage in Your Cooking

Sausage is an incredibly versatile ingredient, capable of lending its rich, savory punch to a multitude of dishes far beyond just pasta. If you’ve appreciated the robust flavor it brings to this Alfredo Rigatoni, consider venturing into these other fantastic recipes where sausage plays a starring role:

• Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: A superb appetizer for any gathering, these elegant, bite-sized treats combine savory sausage with melted cheese, all nestled in tender mushroom caps.
• One Pot Sausage Linguine: Perfect for those demanding evenings, this flavorful linguine dish, packed with sausage and aromatic herbs, cooks entirely in a single pot. Enjoy maximum taste with minimal cleanup!
• Cheese Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls: Delight in flaky puff pastry wrapped around a savory blend of sausage and cheese, baked until beautifully golden. These are excellent for breakfast, brunch, or as a sophisticated party snack.
• Classic Sausage Balls: A quintessential party favorite or a delicious breakfast item, these savory, cheesy sausage bites are always a crowd-pleaser and remarkably simple to prepare.
• Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites: An elegant yet surprisingly straightforward appetizer that harmoniously combines the creamy richness of brie, the tartness of cranberry, and the savory goodness of sausage in a convenient, festive bite.
• Sausage and Kale Soup: A hearty and nutritious soup, often featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale in a flavorful broth. It’s a perfect meal for a crisp, chilly day.
• Sausage and Peppers: A beloved Italian-American classic, featuring succulent slices of Italian sausage cooked with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onions, traditionally served on a crusty hoagie roll.

The Complete Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni Recipe

Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

This pure comfort food combines rigatoni pasta and herb-flavored sausage tossed in a creamy roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. It will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Created by:

Lynne Feifer

Course:

Dinners

Cuisine:

Italian

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 35 minutes

Yields:

4 servings

Ingredients

For the Sausage Mixture:

• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, prepared al dente
• 1 pound Johnsonville Sweet Italian Sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10-12 leaves fresh basil, chopped (or 2-3 teaspoons dried basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 head garlic, roasted
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, for topping

To Thicken Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons flour
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook rigatoni according to package directions in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Cook Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add Italian sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until thoroughly browned. Drain excess grease. Remove from heat, stir in fresh or dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Make Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce:
   1. Prepare Roasted Garlic: Gently squeeze softened roasted garlic cloves from skins into a small bowl. Mash with a fork to form a paste.
   2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat. Add heavy cream and mashed roasted garlic. Heat until very warm, but *do not boil*.
   3. Lower heat. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
   4. To Thicken: In a small bowl, combine flour and 2 tablespoons heavy cream to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the cheese sauce, whisking constantly. Heat gently, stirring, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the finished Alfredo sauce over the cooked sausage mixture in the large bowl and stir to coat. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and mix thoroughly. Pour the combined pasta, sausage, and sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle generously with shaved Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

The total time includes the time needed to roast the garlic and make the homemade Alfredo sauce. This time can be reduced by roasting the garlic or preparing the homemade sauce in advance. While homemade is highly recommended, you could use a high-quality jarred Alfredo sauce if time is short, but the depth of flavor from fresh roasted garlic will be missed.

Nutrition Information

Serving:

1 serving

Calories:

1001 kcal

Carbohydrates:

53 g

Protein:

27 g

Fat:

77 g

Saturated Fat:

45 g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

4 g

Monounsaturated Fat:

23 g

Trans Fat:

1 g

Cholesterol:

201 mg

Sodium:

739 mg

Potassium:

357 mg

Fiber:

3 g

Sugar:

6 g

Vitamin A:

2575 IU

Vitamin C:

6 mg

Calcium:

633 mg

Iron:

2 mg

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

This post was originally published on 2/13/14. It has been updated in format and with photos on 6/14/23.