Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni
A comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage and rigatoni in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, perfect for any night.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When comfort food calls, answer with this luscious Creamy Tomato and Sausage Rigatoni! This isn't just a pasta dish; it's a warm hug in a bowl, featuring tender rigatoni, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a velvety tomato cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's surprisingly simple and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 10 oz rigatoni or other tubular pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set sausage aside.
Step 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5
Stir in heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked sausage to the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the cream level to your liking; start with 1/4 cup and add more for extra richness.
- This sauce is also fantastic with tortellini, penne, or even spaghetti.
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