Sausage Ragu

This sausage ragu with rigatoni is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavor, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With tender pasta enveloped in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with sweet Italian sausage, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, every bite is deeply satisfying.

What makes this sausage ragu recipe so appealing is its ease of preparation. Unlike traditional ragus that could require hours of slow simmering, this version comes together in under 30 minutes while still delivering incredible depth of flavor. The vibrant, high-quality San Marzano tomatoes are the key to its bold flavors, and a finishing touch of milk rounds out the acidity, creating a beautifully balanced sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a layer of umami, while fresh parsley brings brightness and a pop of color, making this dish both indulgent and fresh at the same time.

Whether cooking for the family or looking for a dish to impress guests, this sausage ragu is a reliable go-to. Serve it with extra Parmesan on the side, pair it with a glass of wine, and you have an effortlessly elegant meal.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Quick but deeply flavorful. Thanks to Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and a few aromatic ingredients, this ragu develops layers of flavor in a short amount of time. The fat from the sausage seasons the vegetables as they cook, and the tomato paste adds concentrated richness, giving you a sauce that tastes slow-cooked without the wait.
• Perfect texture pairing with rigatoni. Tubular pasta with ridges captures the savory ragu beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with sauce. The balance of chunky sausage and silky tomato creates a satisfying contrast that clings to rigatoni, penne, or any sturdy pasta shape.
• Creamy finish without being heavy. A splash of whole milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a velvety sauce without the weight of cream. Parmesan adds savory depth and helps the sauce emulsify, resulting in a glossy texture that feels indulgent but not overly rich.
• Highly adaptable to your preferences. Mild, sweet, or spicy sausage all work beautifully here, and you can adjust the heat level with crushed red pepper. You can also add vegetables like peppers or mushrooms, use wine for deglazing, or swap in different cheeses to customize the dish to your taste.
• Weeknight-friendly and reliable. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe delivers a consistent result every time. The steps are easy to follow, cleanup is simple, and the sauce holds well on the stovetop while you finish the pasta or prep sides.

Ingredient Notes

• Rigatoni or short tubular pasta – Rigatoni works beautifully because its ridges and hollow center hold the ragu well. Mezzi rigatoni, penne, or ziti make excellent substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
• Kosher salt – Used to season both the pasta water and the sauce. Because Parmesan and sausage already contain salt, start lightly and adjust to taste.
• Olive oil – Helps brown the sausage and soften the onions. A medium-bodied olive oil works best so it doesn’t overpower the dish.
• Italian sausage – Sweet Italian sausage is traditional here, but spicy works if you want more heat. Removing the casings allows the sausage to crumble and brown evenly.
• Onion – Provides sweetness and body. Finely chopping helps it melt into the sauce as it cooks.
• Garlic – Grated garlic blends smoothly into the sauce, adding fragrance without leaving chunks. Add it briefly so it doesn’t scorch.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – A small amount adds warmth and balances the richness from the sausage. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.
• Whole tomatoes – Whole San Marzano tomatoes give the best texture and flavor. Crushing by hand adds a rustic feel with just the right amount of tomato pieces.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Briefly cooking it with the sausage enhances its sweetness.
• Sugar – Used sparingly to balance acidity. It won’t make the dish sweet but brings the sauce into harmony.
• Whole milk – Softens acidity and gives the sauce a silky texture. Heavy cream can be used for a richer version.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and umami. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers superior flavor.
• Parsley – A fresh finishing touch that brightens the richness of the sauce just before serving.

How to Make Sausage Ragu

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you want to thin the sauce later.
2. Brown the sausage in olive oil, breaking it into small pieces. Add the onion once the sausage begins to release its fat and continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion has softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes briefly to release their aroma without burning them.
4. Add the hand-crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Stir in the milk and Parmesan to create a silky, balanced sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated evenly.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed, add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick, and finish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

• Taste as you go, especially after adding Parmesan, since it increases overall saltiness.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Break sausage into small crumbles for better browning and a more cohesive sauce.
• Simmer the sauce slightly longer for a thicker, richer consistency if that’s your preference.
• Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for a minute to help it absorb flavor and meld with the ragu.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy. Swap in hot Italian sausage or increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Stirring in a bit of Calabrian chili paste at the end adds heat and a fruity complexity.
• Try a creamy version. Replace the milk with heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta. This creates a richer, more luxurious sauce with a velvety texture.
• Add depth with wine. After browning the sausage, deglaze the pan with red or white wine. It lifts browned bits from the pan and adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• Use fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano bring fresh flavor. Add tender herbs like basil at the end to keep their aroma bright.
• Swap the protein. This recipe works well with ground pork, chicken, turkey, or other types of sausage, offering flexibility based on what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a bright green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Add garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the extra sauce.
• Pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini for a complete, satisfying meal.
• Choose a light dessert like citrus sorbet or fresh berries to finish the meal on a refreshing note.

How to Store

• Refrigerate
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce will continue to develop flavor as it rests. Add a bit of water or milk when reheating if the sauce thickens.
• Freeze
  Freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for best results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
• Reheat
  Warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or pasta water to loosen it as needed. If reheating pasta already mixed with sauce, stir occasionally to promote even heating.