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Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes & Zucchini

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes & Zucchini
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Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes & Zucchini is a quick and hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and tender zucchini. Tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, this flavorful meal offers a balanced taste of savory richness and bright freshness, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried or fresh)

Finishing Touches

  • Handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed later.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from casings and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked, around 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced zucchini and cook until just tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and the cooked sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer gently for 6-8 minutes to meld flavors and soften the tomatoes slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Finish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality artisanal or fresh Italian sausage for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook zucchini; keep it slightly firm for texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it adhere to pasta.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to balance salt and herbs perfectly.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil at the very end to preserve bright and fresh flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rigatoni, sausage, Italian sausage, zucchini, tomatoes, pasta, quick dinner, gluten-free option, Italian cuisine, hearty meal

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/rigatoni-with-sausage-tomatoes-zucchini/