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4.9 from 33 votes

Rigatoni with Sausage

Perfectly al dente Sausage Rigatoni Pasta is loaded with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, lots of basil, and parmesan cheese, in a homemade creamy tomato sauce, this simple pasta dish is one you'll be making on repeat! It's an easy weeknight dinner idea that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 717 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds spicy or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped + more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (up to 1 teaspoon if you like it spicy)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano, divided

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta.
  2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 5 minutes until it starts to soften. Add garlic and sausage. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the sausage is browned, breaking up the sausage into crumbles while it cooks.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-20 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and 1 cup of the cheese. Simmer until heated through and the cheese has melted.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Add as much of the reserved pasta water as you like to get a nice glossy texture. I typically use about 1/2 cup.
  6. Serve with remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil sprinkled on top.

Notes

  • Crushed tomatoes substitute: If you are out of crushed tomatoes, you could use a can of whole tomatoes that you blend in the blender. Or use two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste combined with 2 cups chicken broth.
  • Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen up the pasta and sauce.
  • Freezing: You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely first, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until hot all the way through.
  • This recipe is on page 191 of my cookbook, House of Nash Eats Everyday! 

Nutrition Information

Calories 717kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 47g (72%) Saturated Fat 20g (100%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 19g Cholesterol 111mg (37%) Sodium 1373mg (57%) Potassium 416mg (12%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 670IU (13%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 284mg (28%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 717

% Daily Value*

Calories 717kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 47g 72%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 19g 95%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Sodium 1373mg 57%
Potassium 416mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 670IU 13%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 284mg 28%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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