Description
This Spicy Sausage Rigatoni recipe is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish, featuring a rich tomato and red wine sauce simmered with spicy Italian sausage and a medley of sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines bold spices with tender rigatoni pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- 2 stalks celery, minced
- 2 carrots, minced
Meat and Seasonings
- 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage (casings removed – ground meat only)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes, including juices
- ¼ cup balsamic or Italian dressing (optional, for extra zing)
Pasta and Toppings
- 10–12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- Butter, Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil for topping
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables become very soft and aromatic, forming the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Cook the Sausage and Season: Add the ground spicy Italian sausage to the skillet along with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Brown the sausage fully, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it is cooked through and flavorful.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and let it simmer. This will allow the alcohol to evaporate while the liquid reduces and infuses the sauce with rich depth and complexity.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the San Marzano tomatoes with their juices and the optional balsamic or Italian dressing if using. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes so it thickens and the flavors meld perfectly.
- Cook the Rigatoni: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sausage tomato sauce and gently stir to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is well-coated. Transfer to a serving dish and top with butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil as desired. Serve immediately, optionally paired with a glass of red wine.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best authentic flavor, but any high-quality canned whole tomatoes can substitute.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of wine, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- The balsamic or Italian dressing is optional but adds a nice tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Serve with a salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
