Description
This Italian Sausage Rigatoni recipe is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that combines savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and rich crushed tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make meal comes together in just 30 minutes, delivering classic Italian flavors topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta onto plates and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or another tubular pasta if preferred.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of rigatoni.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sausage rigatoni, sausage pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, comfort food, easy Italian recipe
