Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and slightly crisp at the edges, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Push sausage to the sides of the skillet, add diced onion to the center, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and add uncooked rigatoni, pushing pasta down so liquid covers it.
- Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes. Check pasta at 12 minutes—it should be al dente with a slight bite in the center. If liquid absorbs too quickly, add ¼ cup water and continue cooking.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and basil. Let the skillet sit for 2 minutes so sauce thickens slightly and clings to pasta. Top with extra cheese and torn basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Brown sausage for 6-7 minutes to create caramelized edges and avoid gray, flavorless meat.
