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