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Hearty Italian Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

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A satisfying dish featuring beef sausage, comforting pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound beef sausage, casings removed
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 11-13 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add beef sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Push sausage to one side of the pan. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  9. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to let pasta absorb flavors.

Notes

For best results, reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency, and use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/ultimate-italian-sausage-rigatoni/