Description
Date Night Rigatoni is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with mild Italian sausage, sautéed fennel, kale, and aromatic spices. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes, this romantic and hearty meal is perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb. rigatoni
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chopped fennel or celery
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed or chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook rigatoni according to package directions in well-salted water. Once cooked, reserve 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining the rigatoni.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped fennel and onion and sauté until very soft, about 10 minutes.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground mild Italian sausage to the pot. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces as it browns evenly throughout.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed fennel seeds, and tomato paste. Sauté the mixture until fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and allow it to sizzle and reduce slightly. Then add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a low simmer.
- Add Kale and Season: Stir the chopped kale into the cream sauce. Season with salt and allow the kale to soften in the simmering sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rigatoni with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water in small increments to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Spice: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top and add more Parmesan if desired before serving.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and serve immediately, suggested with a glass of white wine for a romantic touch.
Notes
- Using fennel adds a sweet, aromatic flavor but celery can be substituted if preferred.
- Choosing mild Italian sausage keeps the dish balanced and approachable, but spicy sausage can be used for more heat.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Perfect for an elegant date night dinner that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 636
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Sodium: 933 mg
- Fat: 30.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 11.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 23.5 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg