Pin 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 cozy chicken stew has become a family favorite in our home, perfect for chilly evenings and easy leftovers.
Ingredients
- Vegetables & Sausage: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash, 1 small red onion, diced, 12 ounces (340 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bunch Swiss chard, thick stems removed and chopped, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pasta & Sauce: 8 ounces (225 g) rigatoni, 1/4 cup (60 ml) crème fraîche, 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 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.
Pin This dish always brings my family together around the table on busy weeknights, making dinner feel special and homemade.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 520 Total Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 23 g (per serving)
Pin Enjoy this creamy rigatoni recipe as a hearty comforting meal with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the butternut squash from overcooking?
Cook the squash until it’s lightly browned and just tender, about 6–7 minutes, then combine with other ingredients to avoid mushiness.
- → Can I substitute the spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, use spicy vegetarian sausage or soyrizo for a meatless alternative without compromising flavor.
- → What’s the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling smoothly to the rigatoni.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Adjust the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- → Which wines pair best with this dish?
Light-bodied reds or crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio complement the creamy and spicy elements well.