The Parmesan cheese adds so much richness to the pasta that my boyfriend compared it to Garten's mac and cheese (another favorite). Rigatoni is the perfect noodle for capturing all that meat and sauce, and I loved how the sweetness of the sausage balanced the saltiness of the Parmesan.
I do think the pasta could be just a tad too rich for some, especially as we head into the hot summer months. I think if I'd had the correct amount of fennel, it would've helped cut through the cheesiness. I'd also recommend using a quarter cup of Parmesan first and tasting the sauce before adding more.
But, overall, this pasta has some great flavors. And if you love cheese, it's going to make a great one-pot dinner.