Baked rigatoni with sausage is a dish that wraps you in a warm culinary hug. Imagine the rich aroma of Italian herbs and sizzling sausage wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
This comforting meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Just picture the excitement on your loved ones’ faces when they see a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness, ready to be devoured.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked rigatoni with sausage is easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite
- The layers of flavors create a deliciously satisfying experience
- Its vibrant presentation will impress guests at any gathering
- Versatile enough, you can swap ingredients to suit any palate or dietary need
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish when I made it for our potluck last month; I might just have to make it my signature contribution.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rigatoni Pasta: Choose sturdy rigatoni that holds sauces well; it’s the perfect vessel for all that cheesy goodness.
- Italian Sausage: Use spicy or mild sausage depending on your heat preference; it adds a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality store-bought sauce or homemade; either brings great flavor and saves time.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta provides a luscious texture and balances the dish’s heartiness beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Who can say no to gooey melted mozzarella? It creates that irresistible cheesy topping we all crave.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty kick and elevates the whole dish; don’t skimp here!
- Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Get out your favorite baking dish; trust me, you’ll want something large enough to hold all this deliciousness.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt generously. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while dreaming of cheesy heaven.
Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Break it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks so everyone gets some meaty goodness.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with cooked sausage and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until everything is nicely blended together. The smell will have everyone wandering into your kitchen.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked rigatoni with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Stir until well combined; you want every noodle coated in creamy delight.
Layer Everything: In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni mixture followed by half of the sausage sauce. Repeat with remaining pasta and sauce. Top generously with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that golden bubbly effect.
Bake Until Bubbling: Place in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. You know it’s ready when your house smells ridiculously good!
Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps prevent any enthusiastic burns from molten cheese! Garnish with fresh basil if using, then dig into this delightful baked rigatoni with sausage experience!
You Must Know
- Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings
- The beautiful layers of pasta and cheese create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a dish everyone will rave about
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cook the sausage first, then boil the rigatoni while preparing the rich marinara sauce. This sequence ensures everything melds beautifully together and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for ground turkey or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting makes this dish uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly for best flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality sausage for a flavor boost; it makes all the difference!
- Prevent overcooking by checking the pasta two minutes before package instructions
- Always let your baked rigatoni rest for 10 minutes—this helps with serving
It’s funny how my friends always request this dish during our potlucks. One time, I accidentally used too much garlic, and they still devoured it!
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta for baked rigatoni?
Yes, you can use any sturdy pasta shape like penne or ziti.
How do I make the sauce from scratch?
Sauté garlic and onions, then add crushed tomatoes and seasonings for a homemade sauce.
Can I freeze baked rigatoni with sausage?
Absolutely! Just cover tightly and freeze before baking for up to two months.
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming delight of baked rigatoni with sausage, a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table. This dish features layers of al dente rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and a trio of creamy cheeses, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this cheesy masterpiece is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into pieces.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rigatoni with ricotta and half of the mozzarella until well combined.
- Layer half of the rigatoni mixture in the baking dish followed by half of the sausage sauce; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
