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Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with our Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini. This hearty Italian-inspired dish combines savory Italian sausage, fresh tomatoes, and tender zucchini, all enveloped in flavorful rigatoni pasta. Not only is this meal incredibly satisfying, but it also comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Each bite bursts with flavor thanks to the aromatic garlic and herbs, while the unique shape of rigatoni captures every delicious drop of sauce. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 small zucchini
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente (9-10 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  2. In a wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and crushed red pepper flakes until softened (about 10 minutes).
  3. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; mix well.
  4. Add grape tomatoes and white wine/broth; season with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes burst (about 10 minutes), then stir in zucchini for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Combine drained rigatoni with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Finish with chopped basil before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feel free to swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Customize with other veggies like bell peppers or spinach according to your preference.