Italian Sausage Tomato Cream Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
02 - 12 oz rigatoni pasta
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ For the Sauce

06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
07 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Serving

11 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
12 - Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
04 - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
06 - Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This creamy pasta dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and comes together in about 35 minutes.
02 - You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference for heat.
03 - For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted for the heavy cream.