Sweet Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Difficulty Level: Easy

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. mezzi rigatoni

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 shallot, chopped

• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. red chili flakes

• 1/4 cup white wine

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

• Pasta water as needed

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over low heat and sauté the shallot until soft, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the sausage to the pan and sauté over medium-high heat until fully cooked, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon.

4. Add the minced garlic, salt and chili flakes. Sauté for a further 1-2 minutes.

5. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, then stir in the tomato paste. Sauté for a further 1-2 minutes then stir in the heavy cream.

6. Once the water is boiling, add plenty of salt. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

7. Strain the pasta and add it to the pan along with the sauce and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss on medium-high heat.

8. Add the Parmigiano and toss again. Add more pasta water as needed, 1/4 cup at a time.

9. Plate and top with more Parmigiano.