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Creamy One-Pot Vodka Rigatoni with Italian Sausage

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A luscious, creamy vodka rigatoni with Italian sausage cooked in one pot, ready in under 30 minutes. This dish balances ease with impressive flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or sweet)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pan and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup vodka. Stir and simmer uncovered over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes to cook off the vodka.
  4. Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add rigatoni directly to the sauce. Pour in 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth to cover the pasta.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid absorbed.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and coats pasta. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil, stir gently, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Do not rush browning the sausage to develop flavor. Measure vodka carefully and simmer to mellow the alcohol. Adjust liquid levels if pasta looks dry. Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta tubes. Fresh basil adds brightness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan sausage. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: vodka rigatoni, one-pot pasta, Italian sausage pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-one-pot-vodka-rigatoni-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/