Print

Savory Rigatoni with Italian Sausage Easy Recipe in Rich Tomato Sauce

savory rigatoni with italian sausage - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting rigatoni pasta dish featuring browned Italian sausage simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (preferably dried)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook about 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return browned sausage to skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
  6. Add drained rigatoni to skillet and toss gently to coat. Cook together 1-2 minutes to let pasta absorb flavors.
  7. Turn off heat, stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling to pasta. Brown sausage patiently for best flavor. Salt pasta water generously. For gluten-free, substitute pasta. For vegetarian, swap sausage with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

Nutrition

Keywords: rigatoni, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/savory-rigatoni-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-in-rich-tomato-sauce/