Rigatoni with Spicy Sausage-Tomato Sauce, Arugula, and Parmesan

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Rigatoni with Spicy Sausage

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Rigatoni with Spicy Sausage-Tomato Sauce, Arugula, and Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. It's a recipe that's become a staple in our house, and I'm excited to share it with you. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables to customize it to your liking.

The rich, savory tomato sauce is the star of the show. I love the way the spicy sausage adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the peppery bite of the arugula. The fresh basil and oregano add a touch of herbaceous freshness, and the parmesan cheese provides a salty, creamy finish. The rigatoni pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite a satisfying experience. It's the kind of dish that leaves you feeling warm and comforted after a long day.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the cooking process is straightforward. Even on my busiest nights, I can whip up this dish in under an hour. I often make a double batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen over time. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for an extra kick.

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this dish is incredibly satisfying. It's the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. It's hearty enough to be a complete meal, but it’s also light enough that you don’t feel weighed down afterwards. My kids love it, and it’s always a hit with guests.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a spicier sausage, such as Italian hot sausage.

Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Make it vegetarian: Replace the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.

Use different pasta: This recipe works well with other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.

Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients and effortless cooking. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 8 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 5 ounces arugula
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion; sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
• Add garlic; stir 1 minute.
• Add sausage; cook until browned, breaking up with back of spoon, about 5 minutes.
• Drain drippings from pot.
• Add wine, diced tomatoes with juice, and crushed tomatoes; increase heat and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
• DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cool, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm over medium heat before continuing.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
• Drain.
• Stir pasta, arugula, basil, and oregano into tomato sauce.
• Simmer until arugula wilts, stirring often, about 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to large bowl.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan.