Some nights, the only thing that feels right is a dish that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and doesn’t leave you scrambling for a million pots. This Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet does just that, cooking everything in one pan to deliver that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction you crave after a long day. It’s a dinner that feels like a hug, but without the fuss.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was one of those evenings when I was halfway distracted by a phone call and nearly forgot the pasta simmering away. That slightly overcooked bite was still somehow delicious, maybe because the sauce had thickened just a bit more, locking in all those Italian herbs and spices. The sizzle of sausage mingling with onions and garlic always gets me, and the way the rigatoni soaks up the tomato broth makes each forkful a little moment of cozy indulgence. I wasn’t exactly focused, but that casual, slightly imperfect timing gave the dish a bit of rustic charm that I didn’t mind at all.

Why You’ll Love It:

Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash—a true win for busy weeknights.
The flavors develop deeply with Italian sausage and herbs blending seamlessly into the tomato sauce, but it’s simple enough to become a go-to.
It’s comforting and filling without feeling heavy, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without that sluggish aftermath.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed.

If you’re worried about timing or multitasking, don’t stress. This recipe is forgiving if you get a little sidetracked, and the flavors only get better the next day.

Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, rigatoni pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in a skillet for an easy and satisfying dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the rigatoni pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Kitchen Notes: You really only need a good, sturdy skillet to pull this off—nothing fancy. I like to serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach or a few sliced mushrooms if I have them on hand, but I haven’t tested those tweaks enough to say they’re perfect every time. If you want a bit of extra heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes on top works wonders, though I usually keep it mild for the kids. Parmesan adds a nice creamy finish, but if you’re out, a little mozzarella stirred in at the end can be a fun switch.

FAQ:

Can I use another pasta shape? Sure! Penne or ziti could work similarly, but rigatoni’s ridges really hold the sauce well.

Is this freezer-friendly? I haven’t tried freezing it myself, but it should keep for a few days in the fridge just fine.

What if I don’t eat pork? Ground turkey or chicken sausage could be a good swap; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Ready to make dinner a little easier and a lot more delicious? Give this Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet a try and see how it fits into your weeknight routine. You might even find yourself looking forward to those busy evenings.