Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

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Made with Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, and contemporary zucchini, this hearty rigatoni recipe is all the time a crowd-pleaser. We love utilizing rigatoni pasta, however you should utilize any pasta form you need. That is the proper recipe once you’re craving healthy-ish consolation meals.

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

Why you’ll Love this Rigatoni Pasta Dish

Filled with taste, this pasta dish is something however bland and boring! Loaded with refreshing flavors you’ll end up craving time and again.
Whole consolation meals and ideal for nights you need one thing restaurant high quality with out leaving the home! In truth, I’d go so far as to say that is BETTER than something you’d get from an Italian restaurant.
Infinitely adaptable, you will get artistic with the substances and nonetheless make a scrumptious pasta dish! Take a look at my substitution recommendations within the sections beneath.
The sauce is ideal for dipping a bit of garlic bread or just a few garlic knots. NOM.
Leftovers are so scrumptious and keep contemporary for days to return! Simply be sure to prepare dinner the rigatoni pasta al dente. Nobody needs mushy noodles!
This pasta dish is sweet change from traditional marinara sauce, and far lighter than baked rigatoni with beef!

Elements for Rigatoni with Sausage:

Rigatoni Pasta: That is my most well-liked pasta form, however use farfalle, penne, or another pasta form as a substitute.
Olive Oil: It doesn’t have to be high-end olive oil. However I don’t recommend utilizing canola oil or vegetable oil.
Crushed Crimson Pepper Flakes: These add only a contact of warmth. You may omit for those who’re utilizing spicy Italian sausage otherwise you don’t like spicy pasta dishes.
Italian Sausage: You should utilize candy Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or use a mix!
Yellow Onion: However a white onion or shallots will work in a pinch!
Garlic: Contemporary garlic is important for including taste. Don’t substitute this ingredient with garlic powder.
Tomato Paste: Along with contemporary tomatoes, tomato paste provides an additional punch of tomato taste! It additionally helps thicken up the sauce.
Grape Tomatoes: This number of tomatoes is what makes our contemporary tomato sauce. For those who can’t discover grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes will work high-quality. Or use a pair giant heirloom tomatoes. Roughly chop them earlier than including them to the pan.
White Wine or Broth: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio work nice on this pasta recipe. However low-sodium rooster or vegetable broth work too!
Contemporary Zucchini: You should utilize yellow zucchini, inexperienced zucchini, or a mix of each. Use no matter selection is straightforward to seek out and appears the freshest.
Contemporary Basil: Dried basil is not going to give this pasta dish the identical taste, so you’ll want to use contemporary herbs right here.
Salt and Pepper: As a result of Italian sausage has a great quantity of salt, you’ll wish to begin with a small quantity and modify as wanted.
Parmesan Cheese: That is an non-obligatory ingredient. However a sprinkle of cheese is all the time a welcome addition in my home.

What’s Rigatoni & Why is it a Particular Pasta Form?

Rigatoni is a well-liked pasta form that originated in Italy. It’s particularly well-liked within the south of Italy and Sicily.
The phrase rigatoni comes from the Italian phrase rigato, which suggests ‘lined’ or ‘striped’.
Rigatoni noodles are wider than penne and ziti. They’re generally barely curved, different instances fully straight.
Rigatoni Pasta is the proper alternative for baked pasta casserole, pasta recipes with chunky sauces, or creamy sauces. Or with a easy tomato sauce.
Rigatonis ridges make it extra adhesive. Which means sauce and cheese will stick with it higher than clean surfaces pasta, like ziti, penne, or elbow noodles.

Italian Sausage vs Floor Beef

Italian sausage goes to provide the greatest taste and texture on this recipe. It has a wide range of herbs and spices combined into the meat. And it’ll keep in bigger chunks when cooked.
I discover pork sausage works one of the best. Use rooster sausage or turkey sausage for those who take pleasure in their taste and texture.
You may sub floor beef as a substitute of the Italian sausage. I’d recommend including some further basil and perhaps a touch or two of Italian seasoning to make up for the misplaced taste.

Can I add Heavy Cream to the Tomato Sauce?

Completely! To make this right into a cream sauce, prepare dinner as directed. If you take away the pan from warmth, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring consistently as you pour.
You may as well combine a 1/2 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese into the sauce to make it even creamier.

Methods to Prepare dinner Rigatoni

Carry Water to a Boil: Add salt as soon as the water is quickly boiling. Then add the pasta and stir so the noodles don’t stick collectively.
Prepare dinner the Pasta: Till al dente. Don’t overcook or it can change into mushy once you combine it with the tomato sauce. Drain and put aside till wanted.
Make the Sauce: Prepare dinner till the tomatoes burst, then toss within the zucchini and prepare dinner till tender. Season, style, and modify as wanted.
Stir within the Pasta: Add within the rigatoni and stir nicely to mix. Switch to serving bowls and serve instantly.