Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Garlic: Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil.
- Roast: Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once done, let cool slightly before squeezing the roasted garlic out of the skins into a bowl. Mash with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Roasted Garlic: Stir in the mashed roasted garlic, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Sausage: Make sure to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks to create a more even distribution throughout the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick if you like spice!
Conclusion
This Creamy Roasted Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the best of Italian flavors. With the creamy Alfredo sauce and hearty sausage, it’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy this indulgent pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!