Delicious and Easy Butterball Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
Are you ready to have your taste buds awaken with a burst of flavor? Look no further than this delicious Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe. This pasta dish is perfect for any day of the week, whether you’re entertaining guests or just cooking for yourself.
The flavors in this dish are truly exceptional, combining savory sausage with a creamy tomato sauce that is out of this world. And let’s not forget about the rigatoni pasta itself – it’s perfectly cooked to achieve an al dente texture that is oh so satisfying.
But what makes this recipe truly special is the fact that it is versatile – with several options to choose from when it comes to the type of sausage you want to use. Whether it’s spicy or sweet, turkey or pork, there’s a sausage option that will suit your taste buds just right.
So, if you’re looking for a pasta dish that will fulfill your cravings and add some excitement to your dinner routine, then this Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe is what you need. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you a little secret: You’re going to fall in love with my butterball sausage rigatoni with creamy tomato sauce recipe. This dish is a masterpiece of Italian cuisine, and I guarantee that it will amaze you with its incredible taste.
Why will you love it? Let’s start with the ingredients. We’ve got everything you need to create the perfect comfort food – hot Italian turkey sausage, rigatoni pasta, diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic, heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and more. Just hearing these names makes my taste buds tingle!
And then there’s the creamy tomato sauce. It’s what turns this dish into an absolute delight. Our recipe calls for a combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic cloves, and onions cooked to perfection in olive oil. The result is a velvety smooth sauce that envelops every inch of the pasta and meat.
But that’s just the beginning of why you’ll love this recipe. The beauty of it is in its versatility – it can be adapted to your personal tastes or cravings. Switch up the sausage from spicy to sweet or even chicken sausage if you prefer. Add some veggies like peas or broccoli to make it healthier, or make it pumpkin-based for a twist- the choice is yours!
So get ready to be amazed by this pasta dish that will make your heart sing with joy. It’s perfect for any occasion – may it be a family dinner or a romantic date night at home. Try my butterball sausage rigatoni with creamy tomato sauce recipe today and feel like a chef!
Ingredient List
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Rigatoni Pasta (16 ounces) – this hearty, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce and holding onto juicy pieces of sausage.
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Italian Sausage – for an authentic taste, I recommend using hot or spicy sausage. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet italian sausage instead. You can also substitute it with Italian turkey or smoked sausage.
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Onion (1 chopped) – adds depth to the sauce’s flavor and provides a pleasant texture that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
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Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano (1 can) – these canned tomatoes are ready to use and already seasoned with delicious herbs.
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Garlic Clove (1) – adds a pungent kick that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
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Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup) – makes the tomato sauce lusciously creamy and rich.
Flavor Enhancers
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Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – used to sauté onions and garlic, adding extra flavor to your dish.
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Parmesan Cheese (½ cup grated) – melts into the sauce and provides a nutty flavor complementing the other ingredients.
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Fresh Basil (¼ cup chopped) – adding freshly chopped herbs can elevate every recipe’s taste to another level. In this recipe, basil adds freshness and complements tomato flavors perfectly.
Optional Ingredients
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Peas or Broccoli – add some green hues to the dish and increase its nutritional value. Peas work best for making this dish colorful without changing its original flavors.
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Cream Cheese (2 tbsp) – unobtrusively mixes in the sauce to provide additional creaminess.
These ingredients create a creamy tomato sauce balance along with juicy pieces of Italian sausage perfect for topping on cooked rigatoni pasta.
The Recipe How-To
Get ready to cook our delicious Butterball Sausage Rigatoni With Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe! Make sure you have all your ingredients handy and a large pot of salted water is boiling.
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
Drop the 16 ounces of rigatoni pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, until they are tender but still firm or “al dente”. This should take about 12-14 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 2: Brown The Sausages
While pasta is cooking, heat up 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of Italian turkey sausage (spicy or mild) or hot Italian pork sausage (smoked sausage, spicy or chicken sausage can substitute, if desired) and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage pieces lose their pink color and they are browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add Garlic And Onion
Next, add the chopped onion (1 onion) and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic cloves (2 cloves) and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make The Creamy Tomato Sauce
Add 1 can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic (undrained) to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir everything together and let sauce simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
Next, add the 15 oz cream cheese, cut into small pieces, and stir until melted. Pour in ¾ cup heavy whipping cream and let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Gently toss until pasta is fully coated with sauce.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
To finish off our Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe, garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite meat or fish recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
I’m not one to limit creativity in the kitchen. So, if you are feeling adventurous, I have some exciting substitutions and variations that can be made to the Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe. Let’s kick things off with some ingredient swaps.
First, you can swap out the hot Italian turkey sausage for another type of sausage. You can try using a mild Italian sausage for a more subtle flavor or even use smoked sausage for a smoky taste. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, replace the sausage with sauteed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Next, the vegetables used in this recipe can be easily swapped out according to your preference. Add mushrooms, bell peppers or zucchini for an extra dimension of flavors to the dish. For a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory components of this dish, add roasted butternut squash or sweet corn.
In terms of pasta variety, Rigatoni pasta is perfect for this dish because it holds up well to the hearty sauce and meat, but if you want to change things up a little bit, use Penne or Farfalle instead for a different bite and texture.
If you are looking for ways to increase the sauce’s creaminess or tomato flavor profile, try adding one tablespoon of cream cheese to enhance the richness of the sauce, or pea pasta makes an excellent addition as well!
Lastly, If you are feeling creative and want to experiment with different sauces, try making a whole new dish by replacing the tomato-based cream sauce with red sauce or pumpkin cream sauce.
So feel free to experiment with these substitutes and variations according to your taste preferences while still embracing some delicious elements from this tasty Butterball Sausage Rigatoni With Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Welcome back to the delicious world of Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. Our journey is nearing its end as we approach the serving and pairing section of this recipe.
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to dress it up and serve it on a plate hot and steamy. It’s best to serve rigatoni creamy tomato sauce with a garnish of freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to add an extra flavor to your dish.
If you want to elevate your dining experience, you can pair your spicy sausage pasta with a glass of refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The acidic taste of the wine beautifully complements the creamy texture of the tomato sauce in every bite.
For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, a glass of iced tea or lemonade is an excellent substitute to balance out the spices and heat from the hot Italian turkey sausage. Alternatively, if you crave more veggies, you can pair this pasta recipe with a simple side salad comprised of fresh greens and cherry tomatoes.
This sausage rigatoni recipe can also be served as a main dish for family and friend gatherings. You can augment its flavors by including other dishes such as smoked sausages or chicken sausage on Thanksgiving turkey day.
In conclusion, this creamy tomato sauce will leave you craving for more even after your second serving. Its hearty flavor profile pairs well with white wine, iced tea or lemonade, and simple side salads. Your friends and family will surely fall in love with your version of this pasta dish. So let’s get cooking!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen carefully, folks. I’ve got a secret for you: butterball sausage rigatoni can be made ahead of time without compromising the flavor. You heard that right. This savory dish can be prepared in advance, which is perfect for those with busy schedules or those who like to have meals ready to go.
To make ahead, prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them in separate airtight containers. When ready to serve, just assemble the dish and bake it. This will ensure maximum freshness and deliciousness.
If you’re planning on storing the leftovers for a future meal, let me tell you how to properly store your masterpiece. Store it in an airtight container and then refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer than this, consider freezing it instead.
Now let’s talk about reheating this bad boy after it’s been stored. If you decide to reheat in the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and warm it up at 350°F until heated through (usually about 20-30 minutes). Alternatively, if you’re reheating on the stovetop, place the pasta in a pot with a bit of water or cream while stirring continuously until heated through.
But wait – there’s more! This creamy tomato sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used as a base for countless other pasta dishes – from sausage pumpkin sauce to red sauce with peas or even chunks of chicken sausage – so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients.
In summary, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of butterball sausage rigatoni waiting for you in the fridge after a long day at work. With these tips and tricks on how to make-ahead, store, and reheat your dish perfectly, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious creation whenever your heart (and stomach) desires!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to preparing the perfect Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe, attention to detail can make all the difference. Here are some tried-and-true tips that can help you achieve the best results possible.
1. Cook Your Pasta al Dente
One of the most important steps to making a great pasta dish is to cook your pasta al dente. This means allowing your pasta to cook until it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooking your pasta can lead to a mushy texture and ruin the overall experience of the dish. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and taste frequently towards the end of cooking time.
2. Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan
When sautéing onions or garlic, it’s tempting to throw in all of your ingredients at once. However, be mindful not to overcrowd your pan. If too many ingredients are added at once they can steam instead of achieving a nice brown crust, which will negatively affect their flavor profile.
3. Brown Your Sausage Nicely
When browning your sausage, be sure to use medium-high heat and cook until it’s fully browned on all sides. This will give it that delicious flavor and crispy texture, an essential characteristic for this recipe.
4. Thicken Your Cream Sauce Appropriately
It’s important not to over-thicken your cream sauce when making this Butterball Sausage Rigatoni with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. Too little thickness will result in a watery sauce while over-thickening will create a gluey texture that won’t blend well with other ingredients. To avoid this, add more heavy cream as necessary while stirring constantly over low heat until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Let Your Sauce Simmer Properly
The key for a bold taste lies in simmering your ingredients long enough at low temperatures in order flavors has time to blend together and deepen, so that all ingredients have time to develop their complexity.
By paying attention to these tips and tricks you’ll find yourself with delicious creamy tomato sauce rigatoni with juicy sausage bites that is infinitely adjustable according to your personal preferences!
Bottom Line
So, there you have it – my recipe for butterball sausage rigatoni with creamy tomato sauce. I hope you enjoyed reading through it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. This hearty and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for any occasion – be it a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – not only is it delicious, but it is also easy to make and can be customized to suit your individual taste preferences. So whether you prefer spicy sausage or creamy Italian sausage, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
And don’t forget to get creative with your serving and pairing options! This pasta dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad and a glass of red wine, or even some garlic bread on the side.
Overall, I believe that this recipe has the potential to become a new favorite for anyone who loves pasta dishes. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Butterball Sausage Rigatoni With Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package hot Italian turkey sausage
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 ounce parmesan cheese, shredded (1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare sausage links according to package directions. When cool. cut into 1/4 inch slices. Cook rigatoni accordign to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add galic and onions; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes in their juice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 20 minutes or until thickened.
- Slowly add cream; heat 5 minutes. Stir in basil, cooked pasta and sausage. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.