Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
Looking for a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to whip up on a busy day? Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage combines rich flavors with a creamy texture that the whole family will love. This recipe is not only simple but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish brings warmth to your table and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Why Make Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage is not just a comforting dish; it packs a punch with nutrition too. Butternut squash is a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, while Swiss chard adds a boost of iron and calcium. With spicy sausage providing a protein kick, this dish marries health and flavor seamlessly. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand!
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
1 small red onion, diced
12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch Swiss chard, thick stems removed and chopped
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces rigatoni
¼ cup crème fraîche
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the peeled and diced butternut squash and sauté until lightly browned, about 6-7 minutes. The squash should begin to soften but not be fully cooked. Add the diced red onion to the pan and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Then add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks. Cook until the sausage is browned, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped Swiss chard, and red chili flakes. Continue cooking until the chard is wilted, about 3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Keep the mixture warm on low heat. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Immediately add the cooked rigatoni to the sausage and vegetable mixture in the pan. Pour in the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water, crème fraîche, and grated parmesan. Stir well to coat the pasta, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy rigatoni hot, sprinkling extra grated parmesan on top for added flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
Serve your Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish beautifully. For an added crunch, consider serving it with toasted garlic bread.
How to Store Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rigatoni in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Expert Tips for Cooking Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
- Cut the butternut squash into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use high-quality spicy sausage for added flavor.
- If you want to make it even creamier, add more crème fraîche or a splash of cream.
- Don’t forget to reserve the pasta water; it helps to bind the sauce beautifully.
- Feel free to add more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.
Delicious Variations of Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage Recipe
For a milder option, substitute the spicy sausage with sweet Italian sausage or turkey sausage. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a citrus twist, or try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for roasted mushrooms or chickpeas.
Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage is a dish you don’t want to miss! Its creamy, comforting flavors meld perfectly to create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Give it a try today and enjoy the deliciousness it brings to your table!
Creamy Rigatoni with Butternut Squash and Spicy Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan.
- Add the peeled and diced butternut squash and sauté until lightly browned, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add the diced red onion to the pan and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks, and cook until it is browned, approximately 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped Swiss chard, and red chili flakes. Continue cooking until the chard is wilted, about 3 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and keep the mixture warm on low heat.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Immediately add the cooked rigatoni to the sausage and vegetable mixture in the pan.
- Pour in the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water, crème fraîche, and grated parmesan. Stir well to coat the pasta, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed and serve hot, sprinkling extra grated parmesan on top for added flavor.
