Description
This hearty and flavorful pasta dish combines smoky beef sausage with a creamy, cheesy sauce and rigatoni for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a touch of spice and elegance.
Ingredients
For the beef Sausage and Pasta:
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 2 lbs smoked beef sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 lbs rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
For the Mozzarella Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil water for pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt if desired for flavor.
2️⃣ Cook the beef sausage:
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef sausage and fry until lightly browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Add rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot, removed from heat.
4️⃣ Prepare the cheese sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for another 3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to medium.
Add salt, paprika, and shredded mozzarella cheese one handful at a time, whisking until melted and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and let bubble gently for 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Combine:
Add the cooked beef sausage and prepared cheese sauce to the pot with the drained pasta. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
6️⃣ Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust spice: For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or use sweet paprika instead of regular.
- Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend for a sharper flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8