Rigatoni with Italian Sausage

Indulge in the comforting flavors of rigatoni with Italian sausage, a hearty pasta dish that combines tender al dente rigatoni with savory, caramelized sausage and a robust tomato sauce. This recipe is loaded with rich ingredients like crushed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a medley of Italian herbs, creating a sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty finish, while optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a customizable kick of heat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this 40-minute recipe brings authentic Italian comfort food to your table. Serve it piping hot, topped with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2087.2 grams (2087.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2772

Total Fat 161.60g	207%
Saturated Fat 54.50g	273%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 358mg	119%
Sodium 7784mg	338%
Total Carbohydrate 217.50g	79%
Dietary Fiber 27.00g	96%
Total Sugars 49.00g
Protein 125.60g	251%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 811mg	62%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 3547mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.5%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 30.8%