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Sausage & Basil RigatoniThere is something truly magical about the way a kitchen smells when a hearty sauce is simmering on the stove and the aroma of browned sausage mingles with the peppery sweetness of fresh basil. This recipe is the ultimate comfort in a bowl, featuring perfectly al dente rigatoni tossed in a robust tomato sauce that clings to every ridge of the pasta. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and it brings a touch of rustic Italian charm right to your dinner table. Whether you are winding down after a long day or hosting a cozy get-together, this dish feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

A hearty and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring ridged rigatoni tossed in a savory sausage and tomato sauce, finished with fragrant fresh basil and salty Parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot
  • 1 large bunch fresh basil
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, and cook until browned.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Cook the rigatoni in the boiling water until just shy of al dente.
  7. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  8. Toss the pasta into the sauce with a splash of water and half the basil.
  9. Garnish with remaining basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Always reserve pasta water to help the sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles.
  • Tear basil by hand to prevent bruising and preserve the bright flavor.
  • Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes perfectly in the sauce.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: sausage basil rigatoni, italian pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, sausage pasta sauce