Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs. Italian Sausage (may use 1 lb. if you want less sausage)
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 (28-ounce) cans Whole or Crushed Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried basil)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (divided)
Pasta
- 1 lb. Rigatoni Pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the diced onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage, cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sausage is cooking, fill a separate large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and then add the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend them in a blender until smooth. Stir in the fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Add the heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the rigatoni and add it to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta. If you prefer a less saucy dish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage to customize the heat level of the dish.
- Blending whole canned tomatoes creates a smoother sauce; crushed tomatoes provide more texture.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried but reduce quantities accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Letting the sauce simmer longer will thicken it and intensify flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
