Updated on August 25th, 2025
There is something especially comforting about sitting down to a big bowl of pasta, and Italian sausage rigatoni is one of those meals that feels warm and familiar. The sausage brings a deep, savory flavor while the garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a sauce that feels homemade and satisfying. A splash of red wine adds richness that blends beautifully with the tomato base and makes the sauce cling to every piece of pasta. This recipe is best enjoyed hot with Parmesan cheese on top and a side of garlic bread for a complete and cozy dinner.
Why this recipe works
- Flavorful sauce base: Garlic, onion, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste combine with Italian sausage to form a sauce that is rich, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.
- Red wine adds depth: Just a small amount of wine gives the sauce a slightly deeper and more complex taste, enhancing the tomatoes while complementing the sausage.
- Fresh herbs at the finish: Adding parsley and basil at the end brightens the dish, balancing the richness and keeping the flavors lively.
- Rigatoni holds the sauce well: The ridges and shape of rigatoni make it ideal for catching the sauce, ensuring each mouthful is as flavorful as the last.
- Straightforward preparation: The recipe uses simple steps and ingredients, making it approachable enough for weeknights but still satisfying enough for a sit-down family meal.
Serving suggestions
- Finish with Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds salty richness, and extra fresh herbs on top bring both color and freshness to the plate.
- Pair with sides: Garlic bread makes a natural companion, but a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal nicely.
- Add some heat: Hot Italian sausage or a pinch of crushed red pepper can give the dish gentle spice without overshadowing the other flavors.
- Save some for later: This pasta is often even tastier the next day after the sauce has time to develop, making it a great option for leftovers.
- Serve family-style: Place the rigatoni in a large serving bowl at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves, creating a casual and inviting dinner atmosphere.
Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Try this Italian sausage rigatoni recipe for a hearty, flavorful pasta dinner. A classic Italian comfort dish everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup beef red wine (or beef broth)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and cook about 5 minutes breaking up into chunks with a spatula. Add wine. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley, basil, and parmesan cheese for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 388
- Sugar: 9.8 g
- Sodium: 857.8 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 56.5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 11.6 mg