Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
A delightful one-pot dish combining rich flavors of creamy sauce and savory Italian sausage, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lbs Italian Sausage may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage
- 2 cans (28-ounce) Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 0.25 cup Fresh Oregano (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
For the Pasta
- 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for another 7-8 minutes until the sausage starts to brown.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the sausage is cooking, fill a separate large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the water and then add the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente.
Preparing the Sauce
- Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them until smooth.
- Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Making it Creamy
- Add the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta.
- If you prefer a less saucy dish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
Serving
- Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Use good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Don’t skip out on fresh herbs when possible; they add a vibrant taste. If you want a bit more heat, add more red chili flakes according to your taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g