Rigatoni with Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry rigatoni
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the rigatoni.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage in small clumps, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart only slightly with a spoon, until browned on the outside and no longer pink.
3. Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the fat behind in the skillet.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet along with the sliced peppers and onion, and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized at the edges.
5. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. If using, pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about half.
7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and salt, return the sausage to the skillet, and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the peppers are fully tender.
9. While the sauce simmers, add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to the package time minus 1 minute, until al dente with a firm bite at the center, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
10. Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the parmesan, tossing over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until well coated.
11. Taste and adjust salt, adding more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
12. Remove from heat, stir in the torn basil, and serve immediately with extra parmesan.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• Hearty, meaty comfort food with tender peppers
• One skillet from start to finish for easy cleanup
• Great for feeding a family with satisfying leftovers

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.