Save A comforting Italian pasta dish featuring tender butternut squash, spicy Italian sausage, sautéed Swiss chard, and a velvety sauce with crème fraîche and Parmesan. Perfectly balanced with savory, creamy, and spicy notes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
This dish has become a family favorite, especially when looking for a hearty meal that combines classic Italian ingredients with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butternut squash: 3 cups peeled and diced
- Red onion: 1 small, diced
- Spicy Italian sausage: 12 ounces (340 g), casings removed
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Swiss chard: 1 bunch, thick stems removed and chopped
- Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Rigatoni: 8 ounces (225 g)
- Crème fraîche: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup (30 g), plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and beginning to tenderize, about 6 7 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Add the red onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped Swiss chard, and red chili flakes. Cook until the Swiss chard is wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 5:
- 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, cooking for an additional 1 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Save This dish always brings smiles when served family style around our dinner table, making weeknights special with minimal fuss.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with spicy vegetarian sausage or soyrizo.
Required Tools
Large sauté pan, large pot, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) and Milk (dairy from crème fraîche and Parmesan). May contain Sulfites (in sausage). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save This creamy rigatoni is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and elegance in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent the butternut squash from becoming mushy?
Cook the squash over medium heat, allowing it to brown slightly and become tender but still hold its shape. Avoid overcooking before mixing with pasta.
- → Can I substitute the spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use a milder sausage or a plant-based alternative for less heat while maintaining protein and flavor.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce, allowing it to coat the rigatoni smoothly and enhance texture.
- → How do I wilt Swiss chard properly?
Add chopped chard to the pan and cook until softened and wilted, about 3 minutes, ensuring it remains vibrant and tender.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine complements the creamy and spicy flavors effectively.