Rustic Rigatoni with Savory Sausage and Greens
Inspired by a delightful meal at Carmine's restaurant, this Rustic Rigatoni melds the earthiness of fennel sausage with the heartiness of cannellini beans. Fresh basil and parsley add vibrant flavor, complemented by the buttery richness of Romano cheese. Topped with tender broccoli spears, this comforting dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Join us in savoring this hearty pasta that brings warmth to your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (N/A)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped)
Onion
1/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
Fennel sausage
8 ounces (With casings removed)
Fresh basil
8 leaves (Chopped)
Flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Canned cannellini beans
18 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Chicken stock
2 cups (N/A)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (N/A)
Grated Romano cheese
1 and 1/4 cups (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (N/A)
Prosciutto
2 tablespoons (Thinly sliced)
Rigatoni pasta
12 ounces (N/A)
Broccoli spears
8-10 spears (Each about 3 inches long)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until golden brown, being careful not to let it burn.
2
Add the sliced onions into the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and soft.
3
Incorporate the fennel sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped basil and parsley. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sausage is browned through.
4
Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans, chicken stock, and unsalted butter. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer briskly for 5-8 minutes until it begins to thicken.
5
Add 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese to the sauce and simmer for an additional 3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the thinly sliced prosciutto and an additional 1/2 cup of Romano cheese, allowing it to simmer for 2 more minutes.
6
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 4 minutes. Then, add the broccoli spears and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
7
Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli. Bring the sauce back to a boil and mix in the rigatoni and broccoli. Stir in an additional 1/4 cup of grated cheese, if desired.
8
Serve immediately, offering the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Rustic Rigatoni with Savory Sausage and Greens.
What restaurant inspired this dish?
This dish was inspired by a meal at Carmine's restaurant.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of oil is used to start the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be coarsely chopped.
How long should you sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is golden brown.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be thinly sliced.
How long do the onions cook?
Cook the onions for 3 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
What kind of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fennel sausage with the casings removed.
Which fresh herbs are added with the sausage?
Freshly chopped basil leaves and flat leaf parsley are added.
What is the preparation for the cannellini beans?
The cannellini beans should be rinsed and drained.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken stock.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses grated Romano cheese.
How long does the sauce simmer before adding the first portion of cheese?
It should simmer briskly for 5 to 8 minutes until it begins to thicken.
When should the prosciutto be added to the sauce?
The prosciutto is stirred in during the final 2 minutes of simmering.
How much prosciutto is used?
Use 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced prosciutto.
How much rigatoni pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta.
How long should the rigatoni cook alone?
The pasta should cook in boiling water for 4 minutes before adding the broccoli.
When do you add the broccoli to the pot?
Add the broccoli spears after the pasta has already cooked for 4 minutes.
How long does the broccoli cook with the pasta?
The broccoli cooks with the pasta for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
What size should the broccoli spears be?
Each broccoli spear should be about 3 inches long.
How many broccoli spears are used?
The recipe uses 8 to 10 broccoli spears.
What is the desired texture for the pasta?
The rigatoni should be cooked until it is al dente.
When do you combine the pasta and the sauce?
Once the pasta and broccoli are drained, bring the sauce back to a boil and mix them in.
What is the total amount of Romano cheese used?
The recipe uses a total of 1 and 1/4 cups of grated Romano cheese.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, the dish is best served immediately after mixing.
What should be offered on the side when serving?
The remaining 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese should be offered on the side for guests.
Is this dish described as a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting pasta dish perfect for families.
Can this be served as a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is noted as a perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner.