Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Vibrant Peppers
This hearty and flavorful Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Vibrant Peppers is a family favorite that combines the rich and savory taste of grilled sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers and the comforting texture of rigatoni. It's a one-pot wonder that's not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Serve it with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Whether you prefer hot or sweet sausage, this dish adapts easily to your taste and is sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.
4
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian sausage link
1 lb (grilled and coin-sliced)
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red pepper
1 large (coarsely chopped)
green pepper
1 large (coarsely chopped)
pasta sauce
26 ounces (use your favorite)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while keeping it warm.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the casings from the sausage links and slice them into coin-like pieces.
3
Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5
Incorporate the coarsely chopped red and green peppers, cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
6
Pour in your favorite pasta sauce and heat through, allowing it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until warmed.
7
Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper mixture in the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the rigatoni separately.
8
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and generously sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
45g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni?
The main protein is 1 lb of hot Italian sausage links, which are grilled and coin-sliced.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Rigatoni pasta is used in this recipe for its comforting texture and ability to hold the sauce.
How many servings does this rigatoni recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What kind of peppers are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one large red pepper and one large green pepper, both coarsely chopped.
Can I use sweet sausage instead of spicy?
Yes, the dish adapts easily to your taste and you can use either hot or sweet Italian sausage.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder that is easy to prepare for weeknight dinners.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread and a fresh salad.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
There are 450 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of fat.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving contains 45g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to remove the sausage casings?
Yes, you should remove the casings from the sausage links before slicing them into coins.
How long should the sausage be cooked in the skillet?
The sausage should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and no longer pink.
When should I add the minced garlic?
Add the garlic after the sausage is browned and saute for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
How long do the peppers need to cook?
The red and green peppers should be cooked for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What is the recommended amount of pasta sauce?
You should use 26 ounces of your favorite pasta sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much olive oil is required for cooking?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I serve the sauce on top of the pasta instead of mixing?
Yes, you can either stir the pasta into the skillet mixture or serve the rigatoni separately.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite and a perfect weeknight meal.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How should the peppers be prepared?
Both the red and green peppers should be coarsely chopped.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar data?
No, the fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol values are not specified in this recipe data.
Is the parmesan cheese quantity specific?
No, the amount of parmesan cheese is added to taste.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food in the recipe metadata.