Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
Try this Rigatoni with Meat Sauce recipe.
Try this Rigatoni with Meat Sauce recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 or 3 cloves garlic
- 4 ounce white mushrooms finely chopped (pulse in food processor or chop by hand)
- 1 pound italian sausage (i use a combo of sweet and hot)
- 1 (28-ounce) can san marzano tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato puree
- 1 pound dried rigatoni
- Carbohydrate 65.3732985089887 g
- Cholesterol 82.780607525 mg
- Fat 4.60682513189813 g
- Fiber 1.518588966648 g
- Protein 14.1940595257674 g
- Saturated Fat 0.663659788451687 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (471g)
- Sodium 82.581605209456 mg
- Sugar 63.8547095423407 g
- Trans Fat 0.994134831122358 g
- Calories 358 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the oil in your pressure cooker's pot and saute the onions, mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper until softened (at least five minutes).
- Stir in the oregano, basil, and tomato paste; cook another minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the sausage meat and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Pour in the water, tomato puree, and squished San Marzano tomatoes (including the can's liquid).
- Stir well, add the dry pasta, stir again, lock the lid, and program for 6 minutes on high pressure.
- After the time is up, open the lid after releasing the steam (quick release) and let it sit for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, to thicken.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a couple of minutes using the saute feature.
- Serve in bowls with freshly grated Parmesan.
My Comfort Food: A Weeknight Rigatoni Revelation
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands of daily life, a quick and easy recipe is a lifesaver. This is where my beloved Rigatoni with Meat Sauce recipe steps in. It's not just a meal; it's a comforting hug at the end of a long day, a taste of home amidst the chaos.
This isn't some fancy, overly complicated dish; it's a simple, yet incredibly flavorful pasta that has become a staple in our home. The secret? The perfect balance of savory sausage, sweet San Marzano tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. The rich, meaty sauce clings beautifully to the ridges of the rigatoni, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. It's hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, yet light enough not to weigh you down. What started as a quick weeknight dinner has evolved into a family favorite, a dish that brings us together around the table and sparks conversations that often last long after the last plate is cleared. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – spicy Italian, mild chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives work beautifully. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick for those who appreciate a bit of heat.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly forgiving. If you don’t have San Marzano tomatoes on hand, regular crushed tomatoes will do just fine. Don't stress over precise measurements; feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste. It's a recipe that encourages creativity and experimentation, a testament to the joy of cooking without feeling bound by strict rules. This isn’t about achieving culinary perfection; it's about creating a comforting, delicious meal that nourishes both body and soul. It's about sharing a simple pleasure, a comforting ritual, that helps me navigate the sometimes chaotic waters of motherhood and work life. This rigatoni is more than just a dish; it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple joys that life offers. It’s a reminder to enjoy the process, to embrace the little imperfections, because those are the things that often make a meal – and life – truly special.
Beyond the Recipe:
This simple rigatoni recipe has become more than just a weeknight dinner; it's a symbol of home, of family, of comfort. The act of cooking itself is therapeutic for me. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of the sausage in the pan, the steam rising from the pot – these are the small rituals that ground me and bring a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind of daily life. It's a time for reflection, for planning the week ahead, or simply for enjoying a moment of quiet contemplation. The aroma that fills the kitchen as this dish simmers is intoxicating, a fragrant promise of warmth and nourishment to come.
And then there’s the sharing of the meal itself. The happy chatter around the table, the laughter of my children, the contented sighs of a family enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal – these are the moments that truly make life worthwhile. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the most precious. The rigatoni with meat sauce isn't just about the food; it's about the connections we forge, the memories we create, and the love that’s shared. So, I encourage you to try this recipe. Not just for the deliciousness of the food, but for the experience itself. Because sometimes, the most meaningful moments are found not in grand adventures, but in the simple, everyday joys of life, like sharing a bowl of perfectly cooked rigatoni with the people you love.
