Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender rigatoni pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage
- 2 (28-ounce) cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried basil)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 7-8 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
- In a separate large pot, fill with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add salt and rigatoni pasta, cooking according to package instructions (about 9-11 minutes).
- Once the sausage mixture is ready, add canned tomatoes (blend whole tomatoes if necessary) and stir in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce and combine thoroughly. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat. If desired, simmer sauce longer to reduce.
- Plate the creamy rigatoni and garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives or mushrooms. Adjust seasoning and add vegetables like spinach or peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg