Delicious Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

The aroma of sizzling Italian sausage wafts through the kitchen like a warm embrace. Picture this: perfectly cooked rigatoni coated in a rich tomato sauce, punctuated by the savory depth of herbs and spices. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart and soul.

Whenever I whip up this Italian sausage rigatoni pasta, memories flood back of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table—perfect for cozy nights or celebrations alike. Get ready to dive into an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance!

I once made this dish for my friends during a game night, and let me tell you—their enthusiastic cheers echoed louder than any touchdown!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Italian Sausage: Opt for spicy or mild according to your heat preference; it adds a flavorful punch.
• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose hearty rigatoni that holds onto sauce beautifully; al dente is key for texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Look for quality canned tomatoes; they provide the base for our rich sauce.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes in the pan.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on this one!
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and drizzling; it enhances flavor significantly.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs elevate the dish with classic Italian flavors—essential for authenticity!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese on top adds a creamy finish; who can resist?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Sausage: Toss in sliced or crumbled Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned and thoroughly cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as necessary.

Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with dried oregano and basil. Sauté until fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian trattoria!

Create the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes while scrapping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Let it simmer at low heat for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Cook Rigatoni Pasta: Meanwhile, boil salted water in another pot and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Combine & Serve: Fold the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with your sauce mixture. Mix well so every piece is coated beautifully! Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Now you’re ready to dive into your delicious Italian sausage rigatoni pasta! Enjoy each bite while reminiscing about those unforgettable moments spent sharing meals with loved ones. Buon Appetito!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the best Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta, start by browning the sausage while boiling the rigatoni. This way, you can combine flavors and save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Add spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Creating this dish reminds me of family dinners where laughter filled the air, and we all dug into seconds—because who can resist a second helping of Italian goodness?

FAQ

What type of sausage works best for Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta?

Use spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your preference; both work wonderfully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and add more vegetables.

How can I make my sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a splash of tomato paste for thickness.

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Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience a delightful blend of flavors with this Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta, a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Add Italian sausage to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart as necessary.
3. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and basil, cooking until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
6. Combine rigatoni with the sauce mixture in the skillet, mixing well to coat. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg