If you’re craving a hearty, colorful, and incredibly flavorful pasta dinner, the Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe absolutely belongs on your table. This dish brings together robust Italian sausage, tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked rigatoni for a meal that checks all the boxes: comforting, quick to make, and wonderfully satisfying. The creamy Parmesan and fresh herbs take it to the next level, making every bite just a bit special. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a meal to impress your friends, this is a pasta dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you really need are a handful of kitchen staples to make this Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe sing. Every ingredient has its purpose, from building rich flavor to bringing color and texture to your plate—you don’t need to be a chef to appreciate how much each one matters!

Rigatoni pasta (12 oz): The sturdy shape holds sauce beautifully and gives you that irresistible al dente bite.
Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): This is the backbone of the dish; choose mild or hot based on your spice preference.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth of flavor and helps sauté everything to perfection.
Onion (1 medium, diced): A sweet, aromatic base that flavors every bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that classic Italian aroma and taste.
Zucchini (1 medium, sliced into half-moons): Offers a burst of freshness and color—an easy way to sneak veggies into your dinner!
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Brings tanginess and a juicy sauciness you’ll crave.
Tomato paste (1/4 cup): Intensifies the tomato flavor for that rich, clingy sauce.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that delivers familiar, beloved Italian notes.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that can easily be skipped if you want to keep it mild.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Elevates all the other flavors to their best selves.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Savory, nutty, and perfect for that glorious creamy finish.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant color right before serving.

How to Make Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your rigatoni according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of that pasta water before draining—the starches in it will help bring your sauce together beautifully in the final steps. Set the pasta aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want crumbles that are browned and cooked through—this is where so much flavor is created that will soak into every bite of rigatoni.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once your sausage is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until everything is soft and aromatic. At this stage, your kitchen will already be smelling fantastic!

Step 4: Cook the Zucchini

Throw in the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 4–5 minutes. You’ll see the zucchini soften and brighten in color, adding a tender bite and a punch of garden freshness to the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add your canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so the tomato paste melts into the pan, then let it all simmer for 5–7 minutes. This is when the magic happens and all those classic Italian flavors really marry together.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked rigatoni to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss or stir everything so the rigatoni is beautifully coated with that savory sausage and vegetable sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish

Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, mixing it in until it’s barely melted and adding that irresistible creamy texture. Plate your pasta and shower it with chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness—your Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

For that final flourish, a simple sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley works wonders. The herbs don’t just look lovely—they brighten up the whole dish, balancing the rich sausage and tomatoes perfectly. If you love a bit of heat, add a little extra red pepper on top, too!

Side Dishes

This pasta loves good company. Serve it alongside a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Don’t forget a loaf of crusty Italian bread—the sauce is too good to leave a drop behind! A glass of light red wine also pairs beautifully with the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can keep it rustic and serve your Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe family-style in a big bowl, letting everyone dig in. Or, make it dinner-party elegant by plating individual portions and topping each with an extra swirl of olive oil and scattering of fresh herbs. For a fun twist, try serving leftovers as a baked pasta—just add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top and pop it under the broiler until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. Stored in the fridge, your Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe will stay delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even more satisfying as they meld together overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Portion into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, you can warm portions gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring everything back to life, or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw first for even heating and a silky sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While Italian sausage is classic for this Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe, you can try turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage if you want to switch things up. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste, as sausages can vary widely in flavor.

How can I add more vegetables?

If you want to sneak in even more goodness, sauté some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions and garlic. These extras blend right in and make the dish even heartier without a lot of fuss.

What if I don’t have rigatoni?

No problem! Penne, ziti, or even rotini all work beautifully in place of rigatoni. The key is to use a short, sturdy pasta that’ll soak up the sauce and hold the sausage and veggies well.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! If you use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes, it’s quite kid-friendly. Love some heat? Go for spicy sausage and add those flakes—make it your own!

Can I make this Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Make the recipe a day in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat gently before serving and sprinkle a fresh layer of herbs and cheese right before bringing it to the table for a dish that tastes freshly made.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about a big bowl of pasta, and this Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe really is comfort and flavor all wrapped into one colorful, family-friendly meal. I hope you’ll give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones—you just might find it becoming a regular request in your house!

Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring rigatoni with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and zucchini, all cooked in a savory sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Rigatoni Pasta:

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Italian Sausage Mixture:

1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Sausage Mixture: Brown sausage in olive oil, add onion, garlic, zucchini, and cook until tender.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
Combine and Serve: Add rigatoni to the skillet with pasta water, season, stir in Parmesan, garnish with herbs.