Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with rigatoni, Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until warmed through and creamy.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.