Description
This Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a savory sauce made with Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and fragrant basil. Enhanced with a touch of white wine and finished with freshly grated Parmesan, this meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 small zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed red pepper flakes if using, and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the grape tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to release juices, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Add the diced zucchini, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use either mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- White wine adds great depth, but chicken broth is a suitable non-alcoholic substitute.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor.
