Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

• butter↗1 tablespoon
• cloves garlic, minced↗1
• half of a yellow onion, minced0.5
• stalks celery, minced↗2
• carrots, minced↗2
• spicy Italian sausage (casings removed – just the ground meat)↗12 ounce
• dried oregano↗1 teaspoon
• red pepper flakes↗0.5 teaspoon
• salt↗1.5 teaspoon
• black pepper↗0.5 teaspoon
• red wine↗0.5 cup
• can San Marzano tomatoes, including their juices↗1
• balsamic or Italian dressing (optional – for some zing!)↗0.25 cup
• rigatoni↗10
• butter, Parmesan, or basil for topping↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots – sauté for 10 minutes or so, until the vegetables are very soft.

2. 2

   Add the ground sausage, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. When the sausage is fully cooked, add the wine and let it sizzle out.

3. 3

   Add the tomatoes and optional dressing – simmer for 20-30 minutes so the sauce reduces a bit.

4. 4

   Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir gently to combine. It should be saucy but not runny. Transfer to a large serving dish and top with Parmesan and parsley or basil. Serve with more wine!