Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
A mouthwatering pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Rigatoni
- 1/2 lb. Ground Italian Sausage
- 1 cup Red Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1-2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for desired spice level
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned, 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Wipe down the skillet to remove leftover grease.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rigatoni according to package instructions for al dente, then drain.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, and chopped parsley until combined.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking, and then add grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni, tossing until well coated in the sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan before serving.
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Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.