Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

There’s something magical about the aroma of simmering tomato sauce mingling with the savory scent of Italian sausage. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked rigatoni, the sauce clinging lovingly to every curve. This is not just any pasta; this is Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta—a dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing.

Picture the scene: it’s a chilly evening, and you’ve invited friends over for a cozy dinner. As they walk in, they’re greeted by that irresistible aroma wafting from the kitchen. It’s an instant hug in a bowl! With every bite, you’ll reminisce about family gatherings filled with laughter and love—because this dish isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories.

I still remember my first attempt at making this dish when my roommate declared it “life-changing,” which made my heart swell like a soufflé!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for high-quality rigatoni to hold onto that luscious sauce beautifully.
• Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy depending on your mood—both options are equally delightful.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Look for San Marzano tomatoes if you want to take things up a notch with flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats freshly minced garlic to elevate the aroma of your cooking.
• Onion: Yellow onions work best here due to their sweetness once sautéed.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor when sautéing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Shredded Parmesan adds that final touch of creamy goodness on top.
• Fresh Basil leaves : Add these at the end for freshness and an aromatic lift.

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

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics: While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and golden brown.

Add the Sausage: Crumble Italian sausage into the skillet; cook until browned and cooked through. The smell will be heavenly!

Pour in Tomatoes: Once your sausage is ready, add canned crushed tomatoes along with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.

Combine Everything Together : Drain rigatoni and toss it into your skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece—trust me; they’ll thank you later!

Add Finishing Touches : Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and add shredded Parmesan cheese just before serving. This will make everyone swoon!

This delightful journey through cooking will leave you with an incredible meal that brings joy to any table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the sausage first to render its fat, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the sauce. This method ensures everything is hot and flavorful when combined, maximizing taste with minimal effort.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition, making it your own!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water for moisture, so it doesn’t dry out.

Cooking this Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed around the table as we devoured each bite together.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rigatoni?

Yes, penne or fusilli work well if you prefer different shapes.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the sausage; opt for mild sausage for less heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute sausage with mushrooms or plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option.

Print

Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting dish that combines savory sausage and rich tomato sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Brown the sausage:
   Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Add tomatoes:
   Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

5. Combine:
   Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.

6. Finish:
   Top with fresh basil leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Variations: For a spicier kick, try using hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

• Add-ins: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for a different flavor profile.

 

• Make-Ahead: You can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine them right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For a lighter option, substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken.- Enhance nutrition by adding spinach or bell peppers to the sauce.- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.