Get ready to indulge in a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! This delightful dish combines the robust flavors of crumbled Italian sausage, zesty crushed tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce that comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your pasta game—dive into our recipe and discover the secrets to creating this mouthwatering meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet with sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Mince garlic and add to the skillet along with red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with sausage and onions. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Stir heavy cream into the tomato and sausage mixture, creating a rich, spicy cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add rigatoni directly to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving. Plate immediately and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage. You can use spicy or mild depending on your heat preference.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the sauce. Be careful not to burn it; stir continuously when adding it to the skillet.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To achieve that perfect al dente texture, make sure to follow the package instructions for the rigatoni. Remember to salt your pasta water generously!
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream. Conversely, if you want a lighter version, reduce the cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this final touch before serving!
- Save Some Pasta Water: Reserve a bit of the pasta water when draining; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 95mg
