Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

I always feel better about a pasta dish when it has a homemade sauce and not a jarred sauce. This homemade sauce is easy and has some carrots snuck in for some added healthiness. I find it hard to get the recommended vegetable servings per day in so every little bits helps. 

The pasta sauce uses red wine and if you rather not use it, you can substitute any broth of your choice. This pasta has spicy sausage in it and you can always use sweet Italian sausage instead.

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 19 ounces spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup red wine
• 28 ounce can whole tomatoes
• 2-14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing
• 16 ounces rigatoni
• shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add in the garlic, onions, celery and carrots. Sauté for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add in the sausage, oregano, red pepper flakes and pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage, until it is completely cooked.
3. Pour in the red wine and stir until the wine has reduced. Add in the whole and diced tomatoes, breaking the whole tomatoes up with a spoon. Stir in the Italian dressing. Allow the sauce to simmer for 20-30 minutes or until it reduces a bit and is not runny.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well. 
5. Once the sauce has reduced a bit and the pasta is cooked and drained add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Top each serving with a bit of parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 531
Total Fat		19.9g
Saturated Fat		6.6g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		53.3mg
Sodium		998.1mg
Total Carbohydrates		58g
Dietary Fiber		4.9g
Sugars		9g
Protein		23.3g
Calcium		21.5%
Iron		13.3%
Potassium		383.4mg
Vitamin A		172.1%
Vitamin C		7%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Pinch of Yum.