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Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

A flavorful and comforting dish featuring rigatoni pasta tossed in a creamy sauce with spicy Italian sausage, enriched with garlic, red onion, and parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb. Rigatoni
  • 1/2 lb. Ground Italian Sausage
  • 1 cup Red Onion (chopped)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1/3 cup Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 12 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Rigatoni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Ground Sausage: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly for about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.
  5. Cream it Up: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Season Well: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and all is combined into a creamy sauce.
  7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni directly to the sauce and stir gently until fully coated.
  8. Finish with Freshness: Before serving, add the chopped fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with the sausage type and add additional vegetables for variety. This dish can also be made dairy-free with suitable substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sausage, rigatoni, creamy pasta, Italian dinner, comfort food