One-Pot Wonders

Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni

by:
July 29, 2020
5
1 Ratings
Photo by Lara Warner
  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

Rigatoni in a spicy tomato, sausage and cheese sauce inspired by my love for the version from Ruby's Cafe in Manhattan. Think creamy tomato sauce with all the cheese and of course the spice! My boyfriend and I could not stop eating it.

I made this with rigatoni, but I also think gnocchi would go really well. Up to your preference! —LaraW

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Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, diced
  • 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound spicy italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 5-6 basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup light cream
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
  • 3/4 cup parmesan
  • Salt and pepper
Directions
  1. In a heavy bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add the spicy italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for ~5 minutes until no longer pink. Add 1 Tbsp of tomato paste cooking for 2 minutes longer to carmelize slightly.
  3. Add the remaining tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for ~10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the instructions on the box. Rinse.
  5. Once the sauce has simmered for ~10 minutes, add the cream, goat cheese, parmesan and basil. Mix well and allow for the cheese to melt into the sauce.
  6. Combine the rigatoni with the sauce in the pot. Serve with more parmesan and red pepper flakes

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1 Review

Matt E. August 11, 2020
I tried this last night. Very flavor-full and delicious. Spicy but not too spicy, well balanced with the cheese. And easy to make. Will definitely make again, thanks LARAW!