Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
A hearty pasta meal combining savory sausage, fresh zucchini, and sweet tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta Use whole wheat or gluten-free for alternatives.
Sausage
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or your choice) Choose spicy or sweet sausage based on preference.
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variation.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Look for ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust based on desired spice level.
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Cooking the Vegetables and Sausage
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until tomatoes begin to break down into a sauce.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and vegetable mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Notes
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Consider pairing with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.