Carmine's Country Style Rigatoni

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Carmine's Country Style Rigatoni, a hearty Italian-American classic that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This rustic dish brings together tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables including bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, all simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick, every bite is bursting with well-balanced flavors. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this one-pot meal is as satisfying as it is delicious. Quick to prepare with only 15 minutes of prep time and ready in under an hour, it's an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that you'll turn to again and again. Perfect for those seeking a flavorful, comforting pasta recipe that delivers big on taste and simplicity!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz Rigatoni pasta
• 12 oz Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 1 medium Green bell pepper
• 1 medium Zucchini
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
• 0.75 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced zucchini. Cook the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 7

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir well. Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 9

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves.

Step 11

Serve the rigatoni hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2494.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3224.6

Total Fat 198.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 19.8g
Cholesterol 496.6mg	0%
Sodium 7316.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 233.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.5g	0%
Total Sugars 61.5g
Protein 118.1g	0%

Vitamin D 136.1IU	0%
Calcium 764.1mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 4181.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.0%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 29.2%