Go Back

Rigatoni with Grilled Vegetables

A comforting bowl of rigatoni pasta brimming with vibrant grilled vegetables, juicy Italian sausage, and topped with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Grilled Vegetables
  • 1 medium eggplant Adds a meaty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • 1 medium yellow squash Offers a slightly sweet flavor and bright color.
  • 1 medium red onion Provides sweetness and depth when grilled.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Enhances flavor and aids in grilling.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning and enhancing taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings A perfect blend to complement the dish.
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes Juicy and vibrant, they bring freshness.
Pasta and Sausage
  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Thick pasta that holds the sauce and ingredients well.
  • 10 ounces Italian sausage Adds protein and a savory, robust flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic Provides savory notes and enhances overall flavor.
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Creamy and rich, it brings smoothness.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the meal.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil Adds aromatic freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the grill. Light the charcoal grill for direct heat, aiming for approximately 350-375°F.
  2. Brush the vegetables. Brush eggplant, squash, and red onions with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkling tops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings.
  3. Toss the tomatoes. Toss Roma tomatoes with 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings.
Grilling
  1. Grill the ingredients. Grill eggplant, squash, and onions cut-sides down along with sausage for 8-9 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Add the tomatoes. Add Roma tomatoes to the grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until all vegetables are tender and sausage is fully cooked.
  3. Set aside. Remove grilled ingredients from heat and let them rest.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Cook rigatoni. Cook the rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Slice the grilled items. Slice the grilled vegetables and sausage into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, remaining olive oil, sliced vegetables and sausage, chopped basil, and garlic. Toss until well combined.
  4. Serve the dish. Serve topped with ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Pro Tips: Preheat the grill for uniform cooking, use fresh ingredients, don’t overcrowd the grill, taste as you go, and let it rest before slicing. Can be adjusted for dietary preferences.