Okay, picture this: I am very Is it a chilly Sunday evening, the kind where all you want is comfort and something warm in your arms? What is the best Sausage Rigatoni recipe? If you’re a grown-up, even better mac and cheese – richer, more flavorful, and surprisingly easy to eat. Is it easy to whip up a simple but My grandma used to make something similar, but this version? What is your own twist on a classic? What is lick-the-plate-clean good It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked.
What is Sausage Rigatoni?
What is Sausage Rigatoni? ), a delicious sausage-based sauce, and sour cream. It’s Italian comfort food at its finest. Think of it as a bridge between tomato sauce and creamy pasta bake. The sausage adds a nice savory depth, while the rigatoni’s Ridges perfectly capture all that. What is the best sauce I’ve seen versions with different cheeses, and some even add a touch of heat. What are the basic ingredients for rigatoni? Is it easier than lasagna?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The combination of the savory sausage, the rich tomato sauce, and the creamy cheese is just… *chef’s. I swear it’s a symphony in your mouth! What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can throw this together in under an hour. What is the best part? It’s surprisingly cost-effective. Sausage is relatively inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. How do I customize a website? I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or throw in some extra veggies like carrots or celery. I like to add some green onions and some chopped cilantro. What are bell peppers and spinach? What is the Sausage Rigatoni recipe? It’s the sausage – it really takes it to another level.
How do I make sausage rigatoni?
Quick Overview
First, you brown the sausage (the star of the show!). What are some good spices to make a sauce? How do you cook rigatoni? What is the best way to make a creamy cheesy sauce? What is the best part? How do I make sausage ribatoni? Add more cheese, more spice, whatever floats your boat! It’s totally foolproof.
Ingredients
What is the Sausage Sauce?
1 pound Italian sausage (I prefer sweet, but spicy works too!)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 can crushed tomatoes. (28 ounces)
1 can of tomato sauce per serving.
1 teaspoon dried oregano per 1 cup.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Pasta:
1 pound rigatoni pasta. 1
Water for boiling.
Salt for boiling water.
What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk is best) (can be made with any
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup shredded Par
1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): 1 cup or 1
1 egg, lightly beaten. 1 banana.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. 1/4
Salt and pepper to taste.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 Tbsp.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use olive oil or butter to make sure nothing sticks. How do you prevent a burnt crust from forming?
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease. How do you break up sausage into small pieces as it cooks – this will ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed. Is evenly flavored I usually use a wooden spoon for this.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to keep garlic from burning? Is it smell amazing right now?
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. Is it necessary to The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it simmer while I’m cooking the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions, but not cook it. This means that the pasta should be slightly firm to the bite. What should I do if I don’t want it to be mushy in the oven? Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, egg, and salt. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. Where does magic happen?
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Add sausage sauce and mix until well combined. How do I make sure that all of the pasta is coated in the sauce?
Step 8: Bake
What is the best way to prepare pasta for baking? Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pizza. How long does it take for cheese to melt in the preheated oven? What is golden brown? Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 9: Rest & Serve
Let the baked sausage rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. How do I make the sauce thicker? Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!
What do you serve it with?
I love to serve this Sausage Rigatoni recipe with a few simple Side Dishes. What are the sides to round things out? What is a good green salad with vinaigrette dressing? It cuts through the richness of the pasta and adds a bit of brightness. If you’re looking for something more substantial, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is the way to go. Always a good choice. What is a good dessert? What’s the best way to end a meal? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or tiramisu. My family tradition is to make garlic bread every Christmas Eve.
What are some tips for making sausage ribatoni?
Okay, so I’ve made this Sausage Rigatoni Recipe *a lot* (like, a *lot* a lot!), and I’ve learned a few things along the way. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage. Sweet Italian sausage is my go-to, but spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick. I’ve even used chorizo before, and it was amazing! Also, make sure you don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. I learned this the hard way after ending up with mushy rigatoni! Another tip: don’t skimp on the cheese! The cheese is what makes this dish so creamy and delicious. I always use a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. And finally, let the baked rigatoni rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up and make it easier to serve. I usually wait 10-15 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked rigatoni for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I wouldn’t recommend adding the mozzarella before freezing, add it when you are reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Sausage Rigatoni Recipe! It’s a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I really hope you give it a try! And if you do, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you try. Happy cooking!
Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 0.5 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
