Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
A hearty dish featuring rigatoni pasta, spicy Italian sausage, and a rich tomato and cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lbs. Italian Sausage may use 1 lb. for less sausage
- 2 28-ounce cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 0.25 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese divided
For pasta
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the diced onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
Cook the Pasta
- While the sausage is cooking, fill a separate large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and then add the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente.
Prepare the Sauce
- Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them in a blender until smooth. Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Make It Creamy
- Add the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta. If you prefer a less saucy dish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed hot. Serve it in bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and a few fresh basil leaves. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of sausage based on your preference.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g
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