Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel, a hearty dish that combines savory Italian sausage with aromatic fennel and robust pasta. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. With its rich flavors and stunning presentation, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium fennel bulb, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced fennel and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add canned diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the skillet with the sausage and fennel sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute Italian sausage with turkey or vegetarian alternatives. Mix in additional vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.