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Creamy Spicy Italian Rigatoni

Creamy Spicy Italian Rigatoni: Comfort Food with a Kick

Creamy Spicy Italian Rigatoni is a comforting embrace with savory flavors and a spicy kick.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces Rigatoni Pasta or substitute with penne or ziti
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or substitute with canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage or turkey sausage for lighter option
  • 1 medium Onion chopped; or shallots for milder taste
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced; or use garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust for heat preference
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for lighter twist
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Garnishing
  • 1 cup Basil Leaves or other fresh herbs like parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • colander
  • wooden spoon
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
  8. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is versatile; it can be made dairy-free or vegetarian. Adjust ingredients based on your preference.

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