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Creamy Smoked Sausage and Peppers Rigatoni

This hearty pasta combines smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender rigatoni in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It's an easy, satisfying dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family meals and comes together with simple pantry staples.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 14 ounces smoked sausage sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the onion and bell peppers for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  8. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
  9. Return the sausage to the skillet and mix well.
  10. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss until evenly coated. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  11. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
  12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
  • Use spicy smoked sausage for a bolder flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.