There’s something about a skillet meal that feels just right when the day’s been long and the evening stretches ahead quietly. This Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet is exactly that kind of dinner—hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the scent of garlic and herbs, something that lingers long after you’ve put your fork down.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, my mind was a little scattered, juggling a few things at once, so I wasn’t quite sure if everything was going to come together as neatly as the recipe promised. But as the sausage browned and the tomato sauce simmered, I caught myself sneaking tastes, the spicy warmth of the red pepper flakes catching me off guard in the best way. Somewhere between stirring the rigatoni and wiping a distracted hand on my apron, I realized this dish was going to be a keeper—even if my kitchen timer was a few minutes off.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s all made in one pan, which means not much cleanup—always a win in my book.
The sausage adds a rich, savory depth that makes this feel like a real meal, not just pasta tossed in sauce.
The balance of herbs and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy steps, just honest ingredients doing their thing.

If you’re worried about it being too spicy or rich, don’t be. You can always dial back the pepper flakes or add a little more broth if it seems thick. It’s forgiving, which is nice when you’re juggling dinner with everything else.

Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, rigatoni pasta, and a savory tomato sauce, all cooked together in a skillet for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

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

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium 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 Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add 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 and cover the skillet.
Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a heavy skillet to get even heat, but honestly, any large pan with a lid works here. When serving, a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can round out the meal perfectly. I’ve tried swapping in penne or even small shells when rigatoni wasn’t on hand, and while the texture shifts a bit, it still holds up. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach near the end, though I haven’t tested that a ton—just a casual thought for a veggie boost.

FAQ:

Can I use turkey sausage instead? Yes, it works fine but might be less rich, so consider adding a bit more seasoning.

What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes? Tomato sauce can substitute, but the texture and tang will be a little different.

Is it freezer-friendly? Leftovers keep well in the fridge; freezing might change the texture of the pasta.

When you’re craving that combination of comfort and ease, this Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Skillet is ready to answer the call. Give it a try, and keep it handy for those moments when you want a warm meal without fuss.