Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Dinner Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Comfort Food Ideas for Every Occasion
- Quick and Easy Recipes That Deliver Flavor
- How Betty Cooks Brings Weeknight Magic
- The Joy of Simple, Hearty Meals
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Easy Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini recipe from Betty Cooks is a satisfying meal for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just 40 minutes, making it one of the best easy dinner recipes you’ll want to bookmark.
Why This Easy Dinner Recipe Is a Must-Try
At Betty Cooks, we believe weeknight meals should be easy to prepare without sacrificing comfort or taste. That’s why this recipe featuring rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, and fresh zucchini is a game-changer. You get a full, satisfying meal that checks all the boxes for quick and easy recipes, packed with protein and seasonal veggies.
Comfort Food Ideas for Every Occasion
If you’re craving something cozy without diving into hours of prep, this dish brings comfort food ideas to life. The creamy tomato base balances the spice from the sausage and the freshness of the zucchini—making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Quick and Easy Recipes That Deliver Flavor
This dish fits perfectly into your arsenal of quick and easy recipes. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just want something stress-free after a long day, this recipe proves that easy dinner recipes can also be rich in flavor and texture. Pair it with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal in no time.
How Betty Cooks Brings Weeknight Magic
At Betty Cooks, our focus is on easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste. This rigatoni with sausage dish is one of those recipes for dinner you’ll keep coming back to. From sausage recipes to pasta favorites, it brings weeknight meals to life with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
The Joy of Simple, Hearty Meals
Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest. This one combines ingredients you probably already have on hand—making it ideal for weeknight meals and impromptu get-togethers. Easy dinner recipes like this one bring people together, and that’s what Betty Cooks is all about.
Notes & Tips
Want to lighten things up? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. Prefer a spicier twist? Use hot Italian sausage. And don’t forget, fresh basil at the end really elevates the entire dish. This pasta recipe is flexible, flavorful, and foolproof—exactly what comfort food ideas should be.
Easy Rigatoni with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cream and zucchini. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan and basil.
- Cook for 2 more minutes to combine flavors. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
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