Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
🍴 Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins
✅ Ingredients:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley as a substitute)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Remove any excess grease if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Season with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Toss to coat, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in fresh chopped basil.
Serve the pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.