Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

A savory aroma wafts through the kitchen as the sausage sizzles, mingling with garlic and onion. This delightful dish of Sausage Rigatoni Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, providing a hearty meal that hits all the right notes. The combination of rich Italian sausage and bright basil creates a comforting, balanced flavor profile that makes it a family favorite.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. It’s easy to prepare for a quick dinner or can be stored in the fridge for tasty leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The rigatoni pasta holds onto the flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Cooking everything in one skillet saves on cleanup time.
• Fresh basil and parmesan elevate the dish with great flavor and texture.
• It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

For the Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

For the Sauce

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For Serving

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Substitutions: Use ground turkey for a lighter dish.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Substitute any pasta shape if needed.
• Use crushed red pepper for heat.
• Fresh basil can be swapped with parsley.
• Grana Padano can replace parmesan cheese.

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delightful and easy dinner.

Cook pasta

Boil water in a large pot and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.

Brown sausage

Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and add it to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Combine sauce ingredients

Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the skillet. let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Mix pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.

Serve hot

Plate the pasta hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: No, pasta may become mushy.
Reheat: Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the tomatoes and herbs.
• Keep an eye on the sausage while cooking to avoid over-browning.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
• For more depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
• Accompany with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.