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Spicy Sausage Rigatoni with Cream Sauce topped with parmesan and fresh basil on a white plate

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni with Cream Sauce

A creamy and spicy pasta dish packed with flavor that can be made in under 40 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni About 12 ounces
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Spicy or mild, casing removed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 14-15 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream Use more for extra creaminess
  • to taste red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • Parmesan for finishing
  • a handful spinach or basil (optional)
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Instructions
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just barely done. Scoop out about a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Once browned, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute until it deepens in color.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then let it simmer for 5-8 minutes.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until the sauce turns creamy.
  8. Adjust the flavor, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  9. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss together for a minute to soak up the sauce.
  10. Finish with freshly grated parmesan and optionally stir in spinach or basil.
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Notes

Don't skip saving pasta water for adjusting sauce thickness. Adjust spice level to taste and let the sausage brown for better flavor.