Description
This Easy Sausage Rigatoni is a simple yet satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Flavorful Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and a touch of cream create a delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil, torn (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Onion: While the pasta is cooking, brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Simmer Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in fresh basil (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Sausage: Use bulk sausage or remove casings from sausage links. Adjust the amount of sausage to your preference.
- Tomatoes: Using a combination of diced and crushed tomatoes helps create a balanced sauce consistency.
- Cream: Avoid substituting heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, as the acidity of the tomatoes may cause it to curdle.
- Make Ahead: The sausage and tomato sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Cook the pasta just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 600kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
