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Hey guys! I’m Jennifer from Show Me the Yummy and today, I have the honor of sharing this Spicy Sausage Rigatoni over here on Oh Sweet Basil!
First things first. I need to let you all in on a little secret. I, Jennifer, am a major, major, MAJOR carboholic. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? 😉 Say it with me… “Hi Jennifer!”
I could have pasta and “red sauce” – yeah, the jarred stuff – almost any given night for dinner and be completely happy. It’s just a little guilty pleasure I suppose.
My husband, Trevor, on the other hand, while he does share my love for all things carb-y and delicious, he does not share my love for jarred red sauce. Can you blame him? He’s also a serious meat lover.
To compromise? This Spicy Sausage Rigatoni!
It’s *almost* as easy as my go-to pasta and red sauce, but it tastes a whole heckofalot better.
First up? The meat sauce.
It starts, as all good recipes do, with butter and oil. We saute some onion in the butter/oil and then add in a little garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Once that smells ah-mazing, we add in that spicy Italian sausage.
I have a newfound appreciation for spicy Italian sausage. I mean. This stuff is goooood, guys.
Once the meat is no longer pink, we add in red wine (because, as with butter, all good recipes have it 😉 ), crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar for just a slightly bit of sweetness.
This simmers and gets cozy and yummy while you boil your pasta!
Now all that’s left is to combine the sauce and the pasta, place it into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, top with glorious mozzarella and parm and bake it until it’s ooey-gooey melty deliciousness!
This Spicy Sausage Rigatoni is not only easy, but it’s just plain good! Tender pasta + a hearty, meaty, cozy, perfectly spiced marinara + gooey cheese?
Ummm. Yes please!
So long jarred red sauce and hellllooooo Spicy Sausage Rigatoni!
Jennifer
What is Rigatoni?
Rigatoni is tube-shaped pasta.
Rigatoni characteristically have ridges down their length.
What Sauces Are Served With Rigatoni?
Hearty vegetable sauces are the most common sauces for rigatoni.
Rigatoni can also be used for baked cheese dishes.
Can Rigatoni be Frozen?
Cooked rigatoni will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, rigatoni may be frozen.
Pack into freezer bag or air tight container and freeze.
Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, finely diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried Basil Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Tablespoon Salt, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Can Tomato Paste, 6 oz
- 1 Pound Spicy Italian Sausage, casings removed - just the ground meat
- ½ Cup Red Wine
- 1 Can Peeled and Crushed Tomatoes, 28 oz
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Pound Rigatoni
- 8 Ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan
- Basil, for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Melt butter and extra-virgin olive oil.1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Once butter has melted, add in onion.1 Yellow Onion
- Saute onion until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add in garlic, spices, and tomato paste and sauté for another 60 seconds.4 Cloves Garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried Basil Leaves, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 Tablespoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, 1 Can Tomato Paste
- Add in Italian sausage and cook for about 5 - 10 minutes, or until sausage is fully cooked.1 Pound Spicy Italian Sausage
- Add in red wine, crushed tomatoes, and brown sugar.½ Cup Red Wine, 1 Can Peeled and Crushed Tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes while you cook your pasta.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.1 Pound Rigatoni
- Drain.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13 in baking pan.
- Combine sauce with rigatoni and pour into prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle pasta evenly with shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan.8 Ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan
- Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until the pasta is hot and the cheese has melted.
- Top with basil and serve immediately!Basil
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Ultimate Italian Sausage Pasta
Connect with Jennifer:
I’ve been making this for years and it is one of my husband’s very favorite dinners. I just recently found your instant pot chili recipe and that is my personal new favorite dinner. Every recipe I try of yours is outstanding!
Thank you so much Kristine! We appreciate the support so much!
This was Ahhhmazing! Best rigatoni I’ve ever had by far. So rich and lost of flavour. Thanks for the great recipe, it’s a keeper.
Thank you Kristi!! And thank you for taking time to give us some feedback!
This is really delicious! I made this on Sunday and everyone (including my two picky teenagers) loved it. It will now be in my regular meal rotation. 🙂
We are so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Alison!
This recipe was better than the sum of it’s parts. I will be making this again. Thank you!
Hi Erin! I’m so glad you loved this recipe! Thanks so much for making it! 🙂