"Date Me" Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta
User Reviews
5
"Date Me" Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta
Description
The recipe starts by sautéing diced onions until softened, then adding garlic and Italian sausage to brown. The combination builds a savory base with rich, meaty flavors. Whole or crushed tomatoes form the sauce's tomato component, blended smooth if needed. Fresh or dried basil and oregano add aromatic herbaceousness while red chili flakes introduce mild heat. Salt and pepper season throughout. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese enrich the sauce, creating a creamy texture that coats the rigatoni pasta evenly. After boiling the pasta al dente, it is combined with the sauce to meld the flavors. Simmering allows thickening and flavor concentration.
The dish balances the savory sausage, tangy tomato, fragrant herbs, and creamy cheese for a rich yet harmonious pasta meal. Serving with additional Parmesan and fresh basil highlights the components. This recipe suits those seeking a comfort food pasta with an Italian-inspired creamy sausage sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian sausage (may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage)
- (2) ounce cans tomato whole or crushed
- 1/4 cup basil or 1 Tablespoon dried basil, fresh, chopped
- 1/4 cup oregano or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano, fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 lb. rigatoni pasta
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil. Add onions and cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Add garlic cloves and sausage. Cook for 7-8 minutes more until sausage begins to brown.
- Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to infuse the pasta with flavor. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, blend in a blender until smooth. Add fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it come to a boil and reduce.
- Stir in heavy cream and 1 cup of parmesan cheese, reserving 1/2 cup for garnish. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
- Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. If you want it to be less "saucy" let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes longer.
- Taste for seasonings. Serve with remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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