Description
Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini is a must-try recipe that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The robust Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, and tender zucchini come together in a harmonious dance, creating a comforting and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounce tomato paste
- 2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 small zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- handful fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
2. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it into large crumbles as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Next, stir in the tomato paste, grape tomatoes, white wine, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and continue cooking for 5 minutes, until the zucchini is crisp-tender.
6. In the pasta pot, combine the cooked rigatoni and the sauce, adding 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency. Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
7. Transfer the Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini to a serving dish and top with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
To enhance flavors, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or a teaspoon of fresh thyme to the sauce. For a spicier kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg