Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful Italian classic: Rigatoni with Sausage and Spinach! This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of savory Italian sausage with fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in perfectly cooked rigatoni. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be on your table in just 30 minutes. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and add to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook sausage for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced tomatoes to the skillet with the sausage, reducing heat to medium. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to combine with the meat.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rigatoni in a colander.
- Add cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with sausage and tomatoes. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water if mixture seems dry.
- Reduce heat to low and fold in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for the rigatoni, but start checking a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Sausage Selection: For added flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or a blend of sweet and spicy varieties to customize the heat level to your liking.
- Fresh Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as these greens may take a bit longer to wilt.
- Add Depth: Enhance the sauce by adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage for an extra punch of flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always remember to reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency and keep it creamy.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s presentation and add a burst of freshness.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
