Italian Sausage Rigatoni: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort Recipe

Introduction

Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting pasta dish that combines savory sausage with rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
7. Step 7: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage tomato sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat, or sweet sausage if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering for extra depth.
• For more veggies, include diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions.
• Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred; they hold the sauce just as well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Use Italian seasoning to keep the flavor similar and consider adding a bit of olive oil for moisture.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after cooking?

Drain the pasta well and toss it with a small drizzle of olive oil before mixing with the sauce to keep it from sticking together.

Italian Sausage Rigatoni: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

This hearty Italian Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with classic Italian flavors.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat and Sauce

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes.
5. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sausage tomato sauce. Stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
7. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your comforting Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

Notes

• For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
• To reduce fat, choose lean Italian sausage or remove excess fat while cooking.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce during simmering can enhance the depth of flavor.

Keywords: Italian sausage rigatoni, pasta recipe, sausage pasta, comfort food, easy Italian dinner