Description
This Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta is creamy, tomato rich, and full of browned spicy sausage, garlic, Parmesan, and tender rigatoni. The white wine and fire roasted tomatoes make the sauce taste bold fast.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta, or your favorite pasta shape
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
- Brown the sausage: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crumbly.
- Bloom the tomato paste: Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and smells savory.
- Reduce the wine: Pour in the white wine and scrape up the browned bits from the skillet. Let it bubble for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Make the sauce creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and fire roasted diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce is thick, creamy, and orange red.
- Toss and finish: Add the drained rigatoni, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and coated, then serve with more Parmesan.
Notes
Use mild Italian sausage and skip the crushed red pepper flakes for a softer heat.
Chicken broth can replace the white wine if needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream, broth, or water so the sauce stays smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Cuisine: Italian American
Keywords: spicy Italian sausage pasta