Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
User Reviews
5
Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
Description
Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini brings together Italian sausage browned with onions and a touch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat. Garlic and tomato paste deepen the sauce, while grape tomatoes release their juices during simmering, creating a fresh tomato base. Diced zucchini adds a mild vegetable sweetness and texture.
The rigatoni pasta cooks al dente and is then tossed into the sauce to coat evenly. Fresh basil is stirred in at the end to add brightness. As a finishing touch, grated Parmesan cheese lends savory richness.
This dish works well as a satisfying main course pasta meal, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and starch. It fits nicely into casual weeknight dinners and can be adjusted in spice level based on sausage choice and optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, crushed
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild, sweet, or spicy will work
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 small zucchini diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil chopped, fresh
- Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add oil to a large, wide pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add in the onion and crushed red pepper and cook until the onion is very soft, about 10 minutes. Add in the sausage and, using a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook until sausage is brown and no pink color remains.
- Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add in the tomatoes and wine (or stock) and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst and give off their juices, about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to gently press the tomatoes if they're not bursting on their own. Stir in the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, add the rigatoni into the boiling water and cook for 9 to 10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta immediately into the pot with the sauce and stir well to combine. Add in some of the reserved cooking water, if needed. Finally, stir in the basil.
- Remove from heat and divide among serving bowls. Top with cheese and serve at once!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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