For a quick weeknight meal, this Rigatoni with pork sausage and chives is a comforting meal. The sauce is made with shallots, reduced white wine and heavy cream. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and chives, this dish is both filling and delicious.
1poundRigatoni pastashort pastas such as orecchiette or penne can be used as well
Salt and pepper
1poundhot or mild Italian sausagecasings removed
2shallotsminced
1clovegarlicfinely minced (optional)
½cupwhite wine
1cupheavy cream
¾cupchicken broth
1ounceParmesan cheesegrated, 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving
¼cupfinely chopped chives
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to pot.
Meanwhile, cook sausage in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, breaking up pieces with spoon, until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to paper towel–lined plate. Add shallots to fat left in pan and cook over medium-high heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic (if using) and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add wine and simmer until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add cream and broth and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 7 minutes. Stir in sausage and cook to let flavors meld, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sauce and chives to pasta and toss to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved cooking water as needed. Serve with extra Parmesan.
Notes
NOTE: If you can shop at a Trader Joe's, I added 1 tsp of their Trader Joe's Mushroom and Company Multi Purpose Umami Seasoning BlendRecipe source: Slightly adapted from Cooks Country Magazine June / July 2015 issue