Description
Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes & Zucchini is a vibrant and cozy Italian pasta dish combining hearty rigatoni with savory Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and tender zucchini. This flavorful and wholesome meal is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that comfort and delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Proteins
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed and crumbled)
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop zucchini into bite-sized pieces, dice tomatoes, finely mince garlic, and slice onions. Remove casing from the sausage and crumble it into small pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add crumbled sausage and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Zucchini: Stir in diced tomatoes and chopped zucchini. Cook gently until zucchini is tender but firm and tomatoes break down to form a fresh sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to combine well with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Add reserved pasta water if a silkier sauce is desired. Stir in chopped basil and parsley for fresh brightness.
- Serve with Cheese: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook zucchini; keep it slightly firm for best texture and flavor contrast.
- Use quality Italian sausage to elevate the dish’s authenticity and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
- Add fresh basil and parsley at the end to preserve their bright flavors.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg