Rustic Tuscan Rigatoni Recipe: A Taste of Italian Sunshine

Crafting a delectable tuscan rigatoni demands creativity and passion for bold Mediterranean flavors.

Pasta enthusiasts understand the magic of combining simple ingredients with remarkable technique.

Fragrant herbs and rich tomatoes create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Robust sausage and tender vegetables mingle effortlessly in this comforting dish.

Regions of italy inspire such culinary masterpieces with their authentic cooking traditions.

Each bite promises a journey through rustic kitchens and sun-drenched landscapes.

Jump into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an unforgettable dining experience.

What You Need For Tuscan Rigatoni

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the Tuscan Rigatoni.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Rigatoni: A hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well and creates a satisfying texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy consistency to the sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: These ingredients create a complex and balanced flavor profile that brings the dish to life.

• Spinach, Tomato Sauce: Spinach adds a fresh, nutritious element, while tomato sauce contributes a rich, tangy base to the sauce.

• Garlic Bread: A perfect accompaniment that complements the creamy pasta dish.

How To Make Tuscan Rigatoni Simply

Step 1: Brown Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble sausage into the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and keep sausage in the skillet.

Step 2: Create Pasta Magic

• Uncooked rigatoni
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until spinach wilts completely (about 2 minutes). Alternatively, remove from heat, place spinach on top, cover, and let residual heat wilt the spinach for 4 minutes.

Step 5: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue cooking uncovered to reduce liquid.

Step 6: Season and Serve

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Taste before adding salt, as sausage might already provide enough seasoning.

Step 7: Final Touch

Mix everything thoroughly. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, rich pasta dish. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pro Tips For Making Tuscan Rigatoni

• Select Quality Sausage: Choose fresh Italian sausage with robust flavor to enhance the overall taste of the Tuscan Rigatoni.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking and use a wide skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent rigatoni from clumping together.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust liquid levels by adding more chicken broth if sauce becomes too thick or cooking uncovered to reduce and thicken the sauce as desired.
• Optimize Spinach Wilting: Remove skillet from heat and let residual warmth gently wilt spinach for a softer texture and to preserve more nutrients compared to direct cooking.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste the dish before adding extra salt, as sausage naturally provides significant saltiness to the recipe.

Tasty Takes On Tuscan Rigatoni

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas, maintaining the creamy sauce and using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Seafood Mediterranean Pasta: Swap sausage with shrimp or crab meat, adding a splash of white wine and extra garlic for a coastal-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Edition: Use gluten-free rigatoni or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chorizo instead of traditional sausage, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle some smoked paprika for a bolder, zingier flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For Tuscan Rigatoni

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, spicy sausage and cuts through the creamy sauce with balanced acidity.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Craft crispy, buttery garlic bread using fresh Italian bread, minced garlic, parsley, and olive oil to perfectly absorb and complement the creamy Tuscan sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a bright, crisp contrast to the hearty pasta dish.

How To Store Tuscan Rigatoni For Later

• Transfer cooled Tuscan Rigatoni to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Place completely cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

Tuscan Rigatoni FAQs You’ll Want To Know

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or mostaccioli. Choose a pasta shape with ridges to help sauce cling better.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How spicy will this recipe be?

The dish has mild heat from Italian seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for extra kick or omit them completely for a milder version.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture when reheating.

What Makes Tuscan Rigatoni A Go-To Dish

• Craft One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-skillet cooking technique that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without multiple dishes.
• Create Hearty Comfort: Rich, creamy sauce combined with spicy sausage and tender pasta delivers a satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with warm, robust flavors perfect for family dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like changing protein, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Fresh spinach provides healthy greens while protein-packed sausage and pasta create a well-rounded meal that delivers both taste and nutritional value in every delicious bite.

Tuscan Rigatoni Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 22-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the rustic charm of Tuscan Rigatoni, a hearty pasta dish brimming with rich Mediterranean flavors. Robust tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender proteins create a symphony of taste that will transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) Italian sausage (crumbled)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rigatoni (uncooked)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until fully browned.
3. Drain excess grease, keeping sausage in the pan.
4. Add rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce to the skillet.
5. Thoroughly mix ingredients, ensuring pasta is evenly coated.
6. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a rolling boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent pasta from sticking.
8. Check pasta for al dente texture, ensuring it’s tender but still firm.
9. Gently fold fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing it to wilt naturally for 2-3 minutes.
10. If sauce seems thin, continue cooking uncovered to reduce and thicken.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
12. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
13. Serve immediately, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or grated parmesan.

Notes

• Always choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper flavor complexity in the dish.
• Consider removing sausage casings before crumbling to ensure even cooking and better meat distribution.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting liquid quantities – less broth creates richer, more concentrated sauce.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising texture.
• Vegetarian adaptation works perfectly by replacing sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for similar umami profile.
• Fresh spinach provides better texture and nutrition compared to frozen varieties, so prioritize fresh ingredients.
• Experiment with cheese garnishes like grated Parmesan or pecorino for enhanced richness and depth.
• Monitor pasta cooking carefully to prevent overcooking – al dente texture is crucial for authentic Italian experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17-22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg