Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the bold taste of beef sausage with the satisfying texture of rigatoni pasta. The rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to the ridges of the pasta, making Sausage Rigatoni a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you prefer spicy or mild sausage, this dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, Sausage Rigatoni is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy classic Italian-American cuisine with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dish is packed with flavor and can be prepared in under an hour. The spicy or sweet beef sausage adds richness, while the creamy tomato sauce coats the rigatoni perfectly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted with your favorite herbs or extra vegetables for added nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Rigatoni pasta: 12 oz.
- Beef sausage: 1 lb (sweet or spicy).
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz).
- Heavy cream: ½ cup, for creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for spice).
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Fresh basil: For garnish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to Make Sausage Rigatoni:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into crumbles, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, simmering for 5-7 minutes. Add the cream and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the sausage back into the skillet, and toss in the cooked rigatoni. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, then serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
- Spice level: Adjust the heat by using spicy sausage or adding more red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs: Basil or oregano will brighten the dish and enhance the Italian flavors.
Helpful Tips:
- Add vegetables: Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Notes:
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Rigatoni can be substituted with penne or ziti if you prefer.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey sausage works well and lightens up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
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Conclusion:
Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with savory goodness. The combination of hearty sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy Parmesan creates a meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings, this dish brings bold Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort!
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Sausage Rigatoni
Description
Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the bold taste of beef sausage with the satisfying texture of rigatoni pasta. The rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to the ridges of the pasta, making Sausage Rigatoni a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta: 12 oz.
- Beef sausage: 1 lb (sweet or spicy).
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz).
- Heavy cream: ½ cup, for creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for spice).
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Fresh basil: For garnish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into crumbles, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, simmering for 5-7 minutes. Add the cream and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the sausage back into the skillet, and toss in the cooked rigatoni. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, then sea
Notes
- or a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Rigatoni can be substituted with penne or ziti if you prefer.