Savory Rigatoni with White Beans and Smoked Sausage
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors in this Savory Rigatoni with White Beans and Smoked Sausage. This one-dish wonder comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The hearty rigatoni pasta, creamy great northern beans, and smoky turkey sausage create a satisfying meal, while juicy Italian-style stewed tomatoes bring a burst of flavor. Enhanced with fragrant basil and finished with a sprinkle of rich asiago cheese, this recipe not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul. A true comfort food that the whole family will love, brought to you by Better Homes and Gardens Prizewinning Recipes.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
Great northern beans or navy beans
15 ounces (rinsed and drained)
Stewed tomatoes (Italian style)
14 1/2 ounces (undrained)
Smoked turkey sausage
8 ounces (cooked, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Fresh basil
1/3 cup (thinly sliced (or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed))
Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and return it to the saucepan, keeping it warm.
2
In a separate large saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed and drained beans, undrained Italian-style stewed tomatoes, and the sliced smoked turkey sausage.
3
Stir the mixture regularly, allowing it to heat through for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is warmed and the flavors meld beautifully.
4
Carefully add the heated bean mixture to the cooked rigatoni in the saucepan. If using fresh basil, add it now and gently stir everything together until well combined.
5
To serve, dish out the rigatoni onto plates or into bowls. Top each serving generously with shredded asiago cheese or parmesan, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the pasta.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The main pasta used in this recipe is rigatoni.
What kind of beans should I use?
You can use 15 ounces of great northern beans or navy beans, rinsed and drained.
How much smoked turkey sausage is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of cooked smoked turkey sausage.
Should the stewed tomatoes be drained?
No, the 14 1/2 ounces of Italian-style stewed tomatoes should be used undrained.
What type of cheese is recommended for topping?
Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese is recommended for topping the dish.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/3 cup of fresh basil with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, crushed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
How should the sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be cooked, halved lengthwise, and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long does the bean and sausage mixture need to heat?
The mixture should be heated for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is warmed through.
What is the total amount of uncooked pasta needed?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a one-dish wonder that comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights.
What style of stewed tomatoes should I buy?
You should use Italian-style stewed tomatoes.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Add the fresh basil when you combine the heated bean mixture with the cooked rigatoni.
How do I cook the rigatoni?
Cook the rigatoni according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens Prizewinning Recipes.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Associated tags include rigatoni, pasta, one dish meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner, quick recipes, and Italian cuisine.
How much cheese should be used per serving?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded cheese total to be divided generously among the servings.
Can I use navy beans if I don't have great northern beans?
Yes, navy beans are a perfect substitute for great northern beans in this recipe.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The fresh basil should be thinly sliced.
What is the texture of the beans in this dish?
The great northern beans provide a creamy texture that complements the rigatoni.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a true comfort food that warms the soul.
What is the first step in preparing this meal?
The first step is cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted water.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, the beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the saucepan.
In what order are the ingredients combined?
First cook the pasta, then heat the beans, tomatoes and sausage together, then combine everything with basil and cheese.
How thick should the sausage slices be?
The sausage should be sliced into 1/2-inch pieces.
What is the primary protein source in this recipe?
The primary protein sources are smoked turkey sausage and white beans.
Can I use Parmesan instead of Asiago?
Yes, Parmesan is a recommended alternative to Asiago cheese.
Is the rigatoni returned to the saucepan after draining?
Yes, return the drained pasta to the saucepan to keep it warm before mixing.
Does the recipe include any sugar or fiber data?
The specific nutritional values for sugar and fiber are not provided in the source data.
What makes the tomatoes 'Italian-style'?
Italian-style stewed tomatoes typically include seasonings like oregano, garlic, and basil already mixed in.