Description
A hearty Italian dinner with rigatoni, sausage, burst tomatoes, tender zucchini, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 lb Italian sausage, mild, sweet, or spicy
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups grape tomatoes
1 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 small zucchini, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Heat the olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and red pepper flakes until very soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the sausage, break it into small pieces, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then mix in the tomato paste.
5. Add the tomatoes, wine or chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer about 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and burst, pressing them lightly if needed.
6. Add the zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
7. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes.
8. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
9. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture.
10. Stir in the basil, remove from heat, serve immediately, and top with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Cook the pasta only to al dente so it does not become soft after mixing with the sauce.
Fresh basil gives the best flavor.
Italian sausage already contains salt, so adjust seasoning carefully.
Parmesan cheese is optional.
If tomatoes do not burst naturally, gently press them while cooking.
Reserved pasta water can adjust sauce consistency.
Penne, farfalle, or other pasta shapes may be substituted.
Cherry tomatoes or chopped heirloom tomatoes can replace grape tomatoes.
Chicken or turkey sausage may replace pork sausage.
Ground beef can replace sausage. Add extra basil or Italian seasoning for more flavor.
White onion or shallots can replace yellow onion.
For a creamy version, stir in 1 cup heavy cream after cooking. You may also add 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Add extra red pepper flakes if using cream because cream reduces heat.
Leftovers keep well for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving