Creamy Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper

If you’re the type who goes to sporting events just for that giant Italian sausage and pepper hoagie, this recipe is for you. We’ve taken that beloved stadium fare and turned it into an elegant weeknight dinner with a few delicious twists. Instead of a bready bun, we toss al dente rigatoni in an ultra-creamy sauce studded with crispy bits of pork sausage and sweet sautéed bell pepper.

And yes, there’s Parmesan cheese in the sauce and sprinkled on top. This dish is a home run for any night of the week.

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Ingredients

6 ounce Rigatoni PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce Italian Pork SausageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, remove sausage from casings if needed. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add diced bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add sliced scallions and cook 1 minute more.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
5. Return sausage to the skillet. Add cooked rigatoni and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve topped with diced tomato and extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free rigatoni or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.