The aroma of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage wafts through the kitchen, filling the air with comfort and warmth. Imagine the perfectly baked pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, punctuated by hearty sausage bites that make your taste buds dance with joy.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage promises to be the star of the show. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors of sausage and cheese will leave everyone wanting more
- Visually appealing with its golden-brown crust, it’s a feast for both the eyes and palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive gatherings
I still remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering. The delighted faces around the table were priceless, especially when my cousin declared it “better than grandma’s.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Rigatoni Pasta: Choose sturdy rigatoni that can hold up against the sauce without getting mushy.
Italian Sausage: Use either sweet or spicy sausage based on your flavor preference for an extra kick.
Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ricotta Cheese: Look for fresh ricotta to achieve that creamy texture we all love in baked pasta dishes.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella for a gooey, melty finish that pulls beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and a nutty flavor; don’t skimp on it!
Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves towards the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté your ingredients to perfection.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic will elevate the dish with its aromatic punch—don’t forget it!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that help bring all these wonderful flavors together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, chop your garlic and gather all ingredients so you won’t scramble later.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook crumbled Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. The scent of sizzling sausage fills your kitchen like an Italian trattoria.
Mix in Garlic and Marinara
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Then pour in marinara sauce and stir well to combine everything into a comforting mix.
Combine Pasta and Cheese
In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped basil. Stir until well mixed—the creamy goodness should start transforming into something magical.
Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the sausage mixture at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Layer half of the rigatoni mixture over it followed by another layer of sauce. Finish by topping with remaining rigatoni and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden
Cover tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—this is when you’ll be tempted to dive right in!
Serve Hot
Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving—trust me; those few minutes will make each bite even more delicious as it settles!
Now that you have made this delightful Baked Rigatoni with Sausage, sit back and enjoy those happy faces around your table!
You Must Know
- Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a comfort food classic, combining hearty pasta and savory sausage
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling before it ever hits the table
- Don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly request in your household!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage while boiling the rigatoni. This method layers flavors perfectly, allowing the pasta to absorb all that meaty goodness while you prepare the sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also mix in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook your pasta al dente; it will continue cooking while baking, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy
- Using high-quality cheese can elevate the flavor significantly
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking
I once made this dish for a family gathering, and it disappeared faster than my cousin could say “seconds.” Everyone asked for the recipe, proving that great food really does bring people together!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices that melt beautifully and add rich flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap sausage for plant-based crumbles and include more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich blend of cheeses baked to perfection. This dish promises a delightful flavor explosion with every bite, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop garlic and gather ingredients.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook crumbled sausage until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant; stir in marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Layer half of the sausage mixture in a greased baking dish followed by half of the rigatoni mixture; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
