Rigatoni with Sausage Tomatoes Zucchini (Print-Friendly Version)
Rigatoni tossed with sausage, tomatoes, zucchini, and basil for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Base
01 -
340 g rigatoni pasta
02 -
45 ml olive oil
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 -
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Protein & Vegetables
05 -
450 g Italian sausage, casing removed
06 -
5 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
45 g tomato paste
08 -
480 ml grape tomatoes
09 -
2 small zucchini, diced
→ Seasonings & Finishing
10 -
240 ml dry white wine or chicken broth
11 -
1 teaspoon salt
12 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
20 g fresh basil, chopped
14 -
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large, wide pot over medium heat. Add the onion and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the onion is very soft, about 10 minutes.
03 -
Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned with no pink remaining.
04 -
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook briefly, stirring to combine.
05 -
Add grape tomatoes, white wine or chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and release juices. Gently press tomatoes with a wooden spoon if needed. Stir in diced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
06 -
Add rigatoni to the boiling water and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water, then drain.
07 -
Toss the drained rigatoni directly into the sauce pot. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
08 -
Stir in chopped fresh basil. Divide among bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
# Important Notes:
01 -
Using tubular pasta like rigatoni allows the sauce to cling effectively, but penne or mezzi rigatoni can also be used.
02 -
Reserving some pasta water is key for emulsifying and binding the sauce.
03 -
Choose your preferred style of Italian sausage—mild, sweet, or spicy—for varying heat levels.
04 -
This dish delivers robust flavor in a lighter style compared to baked pasta options.