30-Minute Creamy Tomato Sausage Rigatoni
A satisfying pasta dish that combines savory chicken sausage with bright cherry tomatoes and earthy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce. The toasted almonds add unexpected crunch and nutty depth, while cream cheese creates luxurious texture without heavy cream. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality comfort food at home. The one-pan approach keeps cleanup simple, and the dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Fresh herbs and parmesan finish this crowd-pleasing meal that works equally well for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- ¾ pound rigatoni or other short-cut pastapenne or ziti1:1practical
similar short pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 7 ounces sun dried tomatoes, chopped, drained
- 1 pound chicken sausage or kielbasa, slicedturkey sausage1:1dietary
leaner protein
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon chicken stock concentrate
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper
- grated parmesan cheese(optional)
- fresh herbs, chopped(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside
- 2
Toast almonds in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently, then transfer to a bowl
- 3
Add olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat, then add shallots, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, and sausage, cooking while stirring
- 4
Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant
- 5
Add stock concentrate and water, stir to blend, then add cream cheese and butter
- 6
Add cooked pasta and a little pasta water if needed, season with salt and pepper to taste
- 7
Top with toasted almonds, parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped herbs
Tips
Reserve pasta water before draining as its starch helps bind the sauce and adjust consistency if the dish seems too thick.
Toast almonds carefully over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve even golden color.
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier melting and smoother sauce integration.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep vegetables and toast almonds up to 1 day ahead
Serve immediately while hot with additional parmesan and herbs on the side
Common Mistakes
Don't skip reserving pasta water to avoid dry, clumpy sauce
Watch almonds carefully while toasting to avoid burning
Add pasta water gradually to avoid making sauce too thin
Substitutions
leaner protein
similar short pasta
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short-cut pasta like penne, ziti, or shells works well. The shape should hold the sauce effectively.
What if I don't have chicken stock concentrate?
Use 1/2 cup chicken broth instead of the concentrate and water combination, or substitute with bouillon cube.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.