Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini 🍝🌿

This hearty pasta dish combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage, the vibrant freshness of zucchini, and the rich, tangy flavor of tomatoes. It's a satisfying meal that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with family and friends! Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a side of crusty bread for a truly delightful experience. 🥖🍷

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

🥄 Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the ocean! This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.

• Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

• Add garlic and zucchini: Stir in the minced garlic and zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.

🌿 To retain the vibrant color and crunch of zucchini, avoid overcooking. A quick sauté does the trick!

• Incorporate tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

• Combine with pasta: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet. Pour in a little reserved pasta water as needed to help create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well combined with the sausage and sauce.

🧄 The secret to a great sauce is to adjust the consistency. If it feels too dry, add more pasta water gradually until you reach your desired texture.

• Serve: Divide the rigatoni among plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

🍽️ For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a flavor-packed vegetarian option.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat rigatoni or a gluten-free pasta substitute according to your dietary preferences.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta after adding the tomatoes for a richer sauce.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini! It's sure to become a favorite in your household. 🍽️❤️