Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy texture of this Italian Sausage Rigatoni, where each bite bursts with savory flavors. The perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta envelops a luscious sauce made from fresh cream, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful harmony that dances on your palate.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz rigatoni
- Meat: 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- Liquids: 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- Herbs & Spices: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of rigatoni with sauce
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 35 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
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