Rigatoni with Sausage, Parmigiana & Fresh Basil This is a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish—hearty rigatoni tossed with savory sausage, finished with nutty Parmigiana cheese and fragrant basil. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and perfect for a weeknight or a casual dinner with friends. Ingredients (Serves 4) • 1 lb rigatoni • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp tomato paste • 1 can (14–15 oz) canned diced tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, crushed by hand) • 1 can (14–28 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste • ½–1 cup reserved pasta water • ¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmigiana • 1 cup fresh basil, torn • Extra Parmigiana & olive oil, for serving ⸻ Instructions 1. Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain. 2. Brown the sausage Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until deeply browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). 3. Garlic & paste Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until it darkens slightly and coats the sausage. 4. Build the tomato base Add canned tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer. 5. Simmer Lower heat and simmer 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. 6. Combine Add rigatoni to the sauce with about ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss until glossy and well coated. 7. Finish with cheese & basil Lower heat, stir in Parmigiana until melted. Add more pasta water if needed. Remove from heat and fold in basil. 8. Serve Finish with extra Parmigiana, a drizzle of olive oil, and cracked black pepper. Tips Add a knob of butter at the end for extra richness. Let it rest 2–3 minutes before serving—the sauce clings even better. Comforting, bold, and classic—this rigatoni is tomato-forward, cheesy, and impossible not to love All groceries by: @FreshDirect Top: @csb Pan: @STAUB USA Enjoy! Xx Betty - @betty.cooks