Country Style Rigatoni

Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of rustic Italian cuisine with Country Style Rigatoni, a hearty pasta dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender rigatoni is coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fragrant oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Sweet Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and vibrant bell peppers add layers of flavor and texture that make every bite irresistible. Finished with a touch of heavy cream for velvety smoothness and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this dish strikes the perfect balance between bold and cozy. Serve this one-pot wonder piping hot for a satisfying meal that brings the rustic charm of Italy straight to your table. Keywords: country style rigatoni recipe, Italian sausage pasta, creamy tomato rigatoni, rustic Italian pasta dish, easy family pasta dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 large green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the red and green bell peppers and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 more minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve the rigatoni hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2500.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3160.8

Total Fat 183.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 419.4mg	0%
Sodium 7566.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 241.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.2g	0%
Total Sugars 61.4g
Protein 136.4g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 1666.4mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 3823.7mg	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: 52.2%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 30.5%