Craving a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this easy rigatoni and sausage recipe! This dish perfectly balances the satisfying heartiness of Italian sausage with the delightful texture of rigatoni pasta, all simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce. Forget complicated recipes and long prep times; this simple yet delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. We use readily available ingredients, ensuring this recipe is accessible to everyone.
The vibrant flavors of this rigatoni and sausage dish will transport you to Italy without ever leaving your kitchen. From the savory sausage to the tangy tomato sauce, every bite is a taste of authentic Italian comfort food. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will have you enjoying this delicious meal in no time.
Tools Needed
- Large pan
- Stick blender
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage
- Rigatoni pasta
- Whole tomatoes
- Garlic (sliced)
- Onion: 1
- Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir)
- Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Sauce and Sausage
- Start by making the sauce. Add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add sliced garlic and let it brown slightly.
- Add half of the diced onion and let it soften. Avoid burning.
- Add crushed tomatoes and break them up with a spatula. Season with salt.
- Stir in basil. Let the sauce simmer for a while to blend the flavors.
- Puree the sauce using a stick blender until smooth.
- Let the pureed sauce simmer for a few more minutes.
- In a separate pan, add more olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the pan, leaving the fond (browned bits) behind.
- Add more sliced garlic and the remaining (large diced) onion to the pan with the fond. Stir and scrape the bottom to loosen the fond.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine (Pinot Noir), scraping up any remaining browned bits.
- Return the sausage to the pan and let it absorb the wine.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Add the prepared tomato sauce to the pan with the sausage.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Add a little pasta water at a time to loosen the dish.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use a stick blender for a smooth sauce.
- Don't be afraid to add pasta water to loosen the dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rigatoni works best due to its ridged shape that catches the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even ziti would be good substitutes.
2. What can I do if I don't have Italian sausage?
You can substitute with any other sausage you prefer, such as sweet Italian sausage, spicy chorizo, or even ground beef or chicken. Adjust seasonings to taste accordingly.
This easy rigatoni and sausage recipe is a perfect weeknight solution for a delicious and satisfying meal. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to cooks of all levels, ensuring a flavorful Italian experience without the fuss. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish!