Spicy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe: Hearty Pasta Night (Print Version)

Spicy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe brings comforting flavors to your table. A simple, robust pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Try it!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Foundation Flavors

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb spicy beef sausage, casing removed
03 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 6 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta & Sauce Essentials

05 - 1 lb rigatoni pasta
06 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spice & Herb Kick

08 - 1/2 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then crumble in that spicy beef sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned and cooked through, no pink bits, hon! The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's the start of something amazing. Drain off any excess grease, because nobody wants a greasy sauce, right? I always forget to have a bowl ready for the grease, so I'm usually scrambling last minute.
02 - Once the sausage is looking good, toss in your chopped yellow onion. Let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Oh, the aroma! Stir it constantly for just about a minute until fragrant; you don't want that garlic burning, because burnt garlic is a tragedy, honestly. This step is where the magic really starts to happen, creating the foundation for our Spicy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe.
03 - Now, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, getting a little darker. This really deepens its flavor. Pour in your crushed tomatoes, add the dried oregano, and give it a good stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it do its thing for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld. I sometimes let it go for an hour if I have the time, stirring occasionally, of course!
04 - While the sauce is simmering, get a large pot of salted water boiling for your rigatoni. And I mean *salted* water—it should taste like the ocean! Cook the pasta according to package directions until it's al dente. This is crucial! Nobody wants mushy pasta. I always taste a piece around the suggested cook time to make sure it's just right. This is where I always forget to salt the water, oops!
05 - Before draining the pasta, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me on this, it's liquid gold for sauces! Drain your rigatoni and add it directly to the pot with your simmering sauce and sausage. Pour in about half of that reserved pasta water. Stir everything together, making sure every single rigatoni gets coated in that beautiful, rich sauce. Add more pasta water if it looks too thick; you want it creamy, not dry.
06 - Finally, take the pot off the heat. Stir in a generous handful of fresh basil and a good amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The basil will wilt beautifully, and the Parmesan will melt into a luscious finish. Give it one last big stir, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. What you should see and smell now is a vibrant, hearty, and incredibly inviting Spicy Beef Sausage Rigatoni Recipe, ready to devour!

# Notes:

01 - Always use good quality crushed tomatoes; it truly elevates the sauce.
02 - Don't be afraid to add extra red pepper flakes if you love heat – I do!
03 - Reserving pasta water is a game-changer for achieving a silky sauce.
04 - A splash of heavy cream at the end adds extra richness if you're feeling indulgent.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - large pot for pasta
03 - wooden spoon
04 - grater

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 30g

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