BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

I never thought pasta could be a BBQ star until this vegan sausage rigatoni changed everything! It’s my go-to for impressing friends who think plant-based means boring. With smoky flavours, hearty pasta, and protein-packed vegan sausage, it’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The best part? You can toss it together while chatting with guests instead of being stuck at the grill. Ready to uncover how this unexpected combo became my summer signature dish?

Why You’ll Love this BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni

Comfort food lovers, this BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni is about to become your new weeknight favourite!

I’ve converted the classic Italian dish into a plant-based powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

The vegan benefits are endless – you’ll enjoy a hearty, protein-rich meal without any animal products, making it better for you and the planet.

Trust me, the flavour explosion will have even dedicated meat-eaters asking for seconds!

The combination of savoury plant-based sausage crumbles with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes creates magic in every bite.

What I love most is how quick it comes together – perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab a fork and dig in!

What ingredients are in BBQ vegan sausage rigatoni?

Let’s talk ingredients for this mouthwatering BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni, shall we? The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavourful components that come together to create something truly special.

I’m always amazed at how these plant-based ingredients transform into such a satisfying meal, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something hearty but want to keep it vegan.

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 (14 ounce) package Gimmie Lean sausage flavour
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (4 ounce) can tomato purée
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your vegan sausage makes all the difference. While the recipe calls for Gimmie Lean, feel free to substitute with any plant-based sausage available at your local shops.

The sun-dried tomato olive oil adds a distinctive Mediterranean depth that regular olive oil simply can’t match, though in a pinch, you could use regular olive oil and add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes to achieve a similar flavour profile.

Got dietary restrictions beyond veganism? No worries, this recipe works brilliantly with gluten-free pasta alternatives too.

How to Make this BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni

Ready to take your vegan pasta game to the great outdoors? Altering this scrumptious Vegan Sausage Rigatoni into a BBQ masterpiece is easier than you might think. I’m absolutely thrilled to share how this indoor favourite becomes even more magical with a bit of smoke and fire.

For a Monolith Kamado BBQ, I would recommend the indirect cooking method at about 180°C. Start by placing your Kamado in an indirect setup with the heat deflector in place. While the BBQ heats up, bring a pot of water to the boil on the plancha or fire plate attachment for your 1 lb of rigatoni pasta.

Meanwhile, in a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and add your 14-ounce package of Gimmie Lean sausage, crumbling it with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The smoky environment adds a gorgeous depth you simply can’t achieve indoors! After the sausage browns beautifully, toss in your thinly sliced red onion and let it soften amid those savoury aromas.

Now for the sauce, stir in 4 ounces of tomato paste, 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomato olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Cover the skillet and let it bubble away for 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir while your pasta finishes cooking to al dente perfection.

If you’re using an Ozpig or Pit Barrel Cooker, the approach is similarly brilliant. For the Ozpig, the plancha attachment works a treat for cooking the sausage mixture, while a pot on top handles the pasta beautifully.

With a Pit Barrel Cooker, direct grilling at medium heat (again, about 180°C) creates that authentic charcoal flavour that makes this dish truly special. When your pasta’s done, drain it well, give it a quick toss with a splash of oil, then combine it with your now-smokier-than-ever sauce right on the BBQ.

The final minute or two over the heat allows all those flavours to mingle and marry. Might the sauce need loosening? A touch more oil and vinegar sorts that right out. The result? A vegan pasta that might just convert even the most devoted carnivore at your next garden party. Plus, serving it from a Monolith Buggy not only enhances the outdoor experience but also provides ample space for all your cooking accessories.

Kamado BBQ Adaptation

• Cook rigatoni at home, then finish the dish on the BBQ.
• Use the Fire Plate (Plancha) to brown vegan sausage and sauté onions.
• Add smoky flavour by incorporating indirect cooking with wood chips.
• Warm sauce using the indirect heat method after combining ingredients.
• For added depth, smoke sun-dried tomatoes for 20 minutes before adding to the sauce.

Ozpig & Big Pig Adaptation

• Cook pasta on the Pot Cooking setting.
• Brown vegan sausage on the Plancha attachment.
• For deeper flavour, use the Oven/Smoker attachment with cherry wood chips.
• Create an aluminium foil packet for the sauce mixture for gentler heating.
• Finish by combining all ingredients in a cast iron pot over direct heat.

Pit Barrel Cooker Adaptation

• Use the hanging method to smoke tomatoes in a mesh basket before incorporating.
• Brown vegan sausage on the Direct Grilling surface.
• Create sauce in a cast iron skillet placed directly on charcoal.
• For smokier flavour, add hickory chips during cooking.
• Finish the assembled dish in a covered pan on indirect heat to let flavours meld, making use of the 360º All-Round Heat Dynamics for even cooking.

What to Serve with BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni

Now that you’ve become proficient at cooking your BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni on various outdoor cookers, let’s consider what to pair with this hearty pasta dish.

I’ve found that simple vegan side dishes create perfect pairings that won’t overshadow your star attraction. A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette brings freshness to balance the richness of the pasta.

For something warm, try garlic bread made with olive oil instead of butter – it’s fantastic for mopping up extra sauce! Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add colour and nutrition to your plate.

Don’t overthink it! Sometimes the simplest sides create the most memorable meals. Whatever you choose, keep it light – this rigatoni is filling enough on its own.

What’s your favourite side to serve with pasta?

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this BBQ Vegan Sausage Rigatoni expedition, I’m confident you’ll find this dish becomes a regular in your meal rotation.

There’s something magical about the way the savory vegan sausage crumbles blend with the tangy tomato base and tender pasta.

What I love most about vegan cooking is how dishes like this challenge the notion that plant-based meals lack satisfaction.

This pasta dish proves otherwise! The combination of textures and flavours creates a meal that’s comforting without being heavy.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own.

Maybe add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour, or toss in some spinach for extra nutrients.

After all, the best part of cooking is making it work for you and your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this dish be prepared and frozen for later use?

Yes, I would recommend freezing this dish for meal preparation. I freeze individual portions for easy reheating. Just undercook the pasta slightly and allow it to cool completely before freezing for the best results.

How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?

I would store leftover rigatoni in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The shelf life is relatively short, so consume it quickly for the best taste.

Is Gimmie Lean Sausage Flavour Gluten-Free?

I can’t definitively say if Gimmie Lean sausage flavour is gluten-free. You’ll need to check the product packaging or manufacturer’s website for current ingredient information regarding gluten-free status.

Can I Make This Recipe Oil-Free?

I’d suggest using vegetable stock instead of oils for sautéing. You can also use aquafaba or vegetable broth for moisture, and try steaming or water-sautéing as oil-free cooking techniques.

What Is the Nutritional Information per Serving?

I don’t have the exact nutritional information per serving. Consider calculating values using the ingredients list once you’ve determined your serving sizes. The recipe’s nutritional benefits would vary based on portion control.