Rigatoni Recipe

Pasta & Risotto

1. 1

   Cook pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on brand. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   Brown sausage

   While pasta cooks, remove sausage from casings and crumble. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.

3. 3

   Sauté vegetables

   In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Make sauce

   Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine with the sausage. Return sausage to the skillet. Simmer on medium-low for 8-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Combine pasta and finish

   Toss the drained rigatoni with the sauce in the skillet. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.