Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for those who love a little kick in their pasta. With the combination of spicy sausage, rich tomato sauce, and al dente rigatoni, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the rigatoni:
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta
– 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Steps
Follow these steps to prepare the spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage:
Step 1: Cook the rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the onion and garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Add the crushed tomatoes and spices
Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine the sauce, sausage, and rigatoni
Add the cooked sausage to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir until the sausage is well coated in the sauce. Then, add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Divide the spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage among plates or bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Spicy Veggie Rigatoni
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and add your favorite vegetables to the sauce. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini make excellent additions.
2. Creamy Spicy Rigatoni
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you can stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese to the tomato sauce. This will give the dish a rich and velvety texture.
3. Spicy Rigatoni with Shrimp
For a seafood twist, substitute the Italian sausage with peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté the shrimp separately and add it to the sauce along with the rigatoni.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage:
– Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead.
– If you like your pasta saucier, you can add a splash of pasta water to the sauce before combining it with the rigatoni.
– Don’t overcook the rigatoni. It should be cooked until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
– Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures. The combination of spicy sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente rigatoni creates a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply looking to switch up your pasta routine, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne or fusilli work well as alternatives to rigatoni.
2. How can I make the dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked rigatoni.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, you can substitute it with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey.
spicy rigatoni with Italian sausage.
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and al dente rigatoni. This mouthwatering meal is perfect for those who love a little kick in their pasta.
Ingredients
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1 pound rigatoni pasta
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1 pound spicy Italian sausage
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1 onion, diced
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3 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the spicy Italian sausage in a skillet until browned. Break it into bite-sized pieces. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the skillet until onion is translucent.
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Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Combine cooked sausage with tomato sauce. Add cooked rigatoni and toss until coated in the sauce.
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Divide among plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.
