Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast with this mouthwatering Italian Sausage Rigatoni! Imagine perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, hearty sauce, packed with savory Italian sausage and colorful vegetables that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This crowd-pleasing dish is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that combines simplicity with explosive flavor, guaranteed to become a family favorite in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the pan.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté with sausage for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Mince garlic and add to the skillet, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with sausage and vegetables. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain cooked rigatoni and add directly to the sauce. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss pasta in sauce until well coated, ensuring even distribution of sausage and vegetables.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use fresh Italian sausage and remove it from the casings before cooking.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing a piece before draining.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky sauce and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and easy mixing of ingredients.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving for the most vibrant flavor.
- If you want to add extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the sausage.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of extra pasta water.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
