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 quickly became a family favorite after I served it on a busy weeknight; its creamy sauce and balanced spices always impress guests and kids alike.
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 recipe brings warmth and comfort to our table especially on chilly evenings when hearty meals are most welcome.
Notes
For a vegetarian version substitute the sausage with spicy vegetarian sausage or soyrizo. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine.
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) 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 crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any day of the week.