Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, mix well to combine.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
Serve the Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni hot right from the stove. You can garnish each plate with fresh basil for a touch of color and extra flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
If you have leftovers, let the rigatoni cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
- Feel free to use any type of pasta that you like if rigatoni is not available.
- You can add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Variation
You can make a lighter version by using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce. Just adjust the amount based on how thick you want the sauce to be.
2. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the sausage to give it an extra kick.
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, mix well to combine.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.