Description
This creamy rigatoni recipe combines tender butternut squash, spicy Italian sausage, and vibrant Swiss chard in a luscious crème fraîche and Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful, comforting pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that balances warmth, spice, and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, thick stems removed and chopped
Meat
- 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
Dry and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- ¼ cup crème fraîche
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Butternut Squash: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the diced butternut squash and cook until lightly browned and beginning to tenderize, about 6-7 minutes.
- Cook Onion and Sausage: Add the diced red onion to the pan and sauté until tender, approximately 4 minutes. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, around 3 minutes.
- Add Garlic, Swiss Chard, and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped Swiss chard, and red chili flakes. Cook until the Swiss chard wilts, about 3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then keep warm.
- Cook Rigatoni: While the sausage and vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- Combine and Finish: Immediately add the drained rigatoni to the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water, crème fraîche, and grated Parmesan. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and serve the pasta immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and create a silky sauce consistency.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a nice heat boost, or substitute with mild sausage if preferred.
- Crème fraîche adds creaminess without being overly heavy; sour cream can be a substitute in a pinch.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like spinach or kale if Swiss chard isn’t available.
- For gluten-free option, substitute rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Rigatoni, butternut squash, spicy sausage, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta, Swiss chard
