Rigatoni in Woodsman’s Sauce is a comforting, hearty dish cherished by many, especially those who relish the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. This recipe, originating from Lidia Bastianich, a renowned figure in the culinary world, has garnered acclaim for its ability to please even the most discerning palates. With a cook time of just 35 minutes and a prep time of 10 minutes, this dish can be on your table in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home.
Let’s delve into the delectable details of this recipe, starting with its ingredients. You’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 pound of sweet Italian sausage links
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of canned tomatoes
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of fresh peas
- 1 cup of half-and-half
- 1 pound of rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey of crafting this mouthwatering dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a meal that will surely become a family favorite:
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Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
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Add the diced onions to the saucepan and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This process usually takes a few minutes and infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma.
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Once the onions are tender, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient: sweet Italian sausage links. Remove the casings from the sausages and crumble the meat into the saucepan. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, typically around 10 minutes.
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Drain any excess fat from the saucepan, then add the sliced mushrooms and unsalted butter. Sauté the mushrooms in the flavorful juices until they become golden brown and tender, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
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Now, it’s time to incorporate the canned tomatoes into the saucepan. Pour in the tomatoes and allow them to simmer gently with the sausage mixture until they thicken, intensifying the sauce’s richness. This process usually takes another 10 minutes.
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Add 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese to the sauce and mix it well with the other ingredients. Then, add the fresh peas and half-and-half, stirring to combine. Let the sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences. This step allows you to tailor the dish to your desired level of flavor and intensity.
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While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
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Pour the luscious sauce over the cooked rigatoni, ensuring that every inch of pasta is coated in the flavorful mixture. Gently toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the delicious sauce.
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Finally, add the remaining ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the dish, folding them in gently to distribute them evenly throughout the pasta. This final touch adds a creamy, cheesy richness to the dish that elevates it to new heights of culinary excellence.
Once the rigatoni is generously adorned with the Woodsman’s Sauce and crowned with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed. Whether you’re savoring it on a chilly winter evening or sharing it with loved ones on a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight and impress with its robust flavors and comforting appeal. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the artistry of Italian cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with those you cherish most. Buon appetito!
