This Spicy Rigatoni with Sausage dish is a warm and hearty meal that packs a punch! With rich tomato sauce and tasty sausage, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Making this dish feels like a culinary hug. I love how the spices dance around in my mouth—it’s like a party on my plate! Perfect with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta’s ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, penne or other hearty pasta shapes will also work well!
Italian Sausage: I recommend spicy sausage for that kick! However, you can use sweet sausage if you prefer less heat or even turkey sausage as a healthier option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor. You can swap it out for vegetable or canola oil if needed, but you’ll lose some richness.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add to the heat! Adjust based on your spice tolerance or substitute with fresh chopped chili if you like.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil bring great flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those instead—just double the amount!
How Do You Perfectly Cook Rigatoni?
Cooking pasta can be tricky, but here’s the scoop for rigatoni! You want it perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but not hard.
- Start with plenty of water to give the pasta room to move.
- Salt the water well; it should taste a bit like the sea. This enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Follow package instructions, but check your rigatoni a minute or two early to avoid overcooking.
- Drain promptly and do not rinse, so the sauce clings better.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Each time you cook, you’ll get a better feel for timing.
How to Make Spicy Rigatoni with Sausage Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and chopping ingredients, plus 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this should take around 10 to 12 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until the onion is softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma.
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can blend nicely and the sauce thickens a bit.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add your drained rigatoni into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. It should look rich and inviting!
6. Finish and Serve:
Finally, stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all incorporated. Serve the rigatoni hot, with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy!
This Spicy Rigatoni with Sausage is perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Spicy Rigatoni with Sausage Dinner
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Sausage?
If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the spicy Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure to season it well to maintain that flavorful kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens up too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Mild?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also balance the flavors with a bit of sugar if you find the sauce too tangy!