Description
This Easy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta, stirring to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Add more mozzarella and bake the dish for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, rigatoni recipe, easy pasta dinner, sausage rigatoni, tomato sauce pasta