Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a symphony of flavors, where hearty pasta meets spicy sausage in a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. Picture the aroma wafting through your kitchen, luring everyone to the dinner table like a moth to a flame. This dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a weeknight treat that feels like a celebration.
Imagine serving this bubbling masterpiece on a chilly evening, with laughter echoing around the table. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together, creating memories filled with warmth and satisfaction. Trust me, the first bite will have you hooked, and you might just find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup
- The flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting meal everyone will adore
- Its eye-catching presentation will impress any guest, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners
- You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or substituting different meats to suit your taste
I still remember the first time I made Baked Rigatoni with Sausage for my friends; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they took their first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Rigatoni Pasta: Choose ridged rigatoni for better sauce adherence; it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Sausage: Use Italian sausage for that authentic flavor; sweet or spicy based on your preference.
Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness and depth; look for whole milk versions for the best texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick; it’s essential for topping your baked pasta.
Fresh Basil: Adds freshness and brightens up the dish; use it generously as a garnish before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all crave.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt generously. Cook rigatoni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven!
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, break apart sausage and cook until browned. The smell should be heavenly—this step sets the foundation for flavor.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce into the skillet with sausage. Let it simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, mix cooked rigatoni with ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella, and half of Parmesan. Stir until well combined; this creamy mixture is pure magic.
Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Top it with half of the sausage sauce mixture and then repeat layers. Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake Until Bubbling: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—this is where patience pays off!
Now all you have to do is let it cool slightly before serving! Get ready to bask in compliments from your family and friends as they dig into this comforting plate of goodness.
And there you have it! Your very own Baked Rigatoni with Sausage—a dish that not only fills bellies but also warms hearts! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a crowd-pleaser, blending hearty pasta with savory sausage
- The aroma of baking cheese fills the kitchen, making it a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion
- Just remember to not overcook the pasta before baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage in a skillet while boiling rigatoni separately until al dente. Combine them with sauce, layer in a baking dish, and top with cheese before baking for a golden finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap Italian sausage for turkey or vegetarian options and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Experimenting with different cheeses can also enhance flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Rigatoni with Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality sausage for maximum flavor; it makes a huge difference
- Don’t skip the step of toasting your garlic; it adds depth
- Layer your cheese generously for that melty, gooey experience everyone loves!
Sharing this dish brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and plates were emptied faster than I could serve.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?
Rigatoni holds sauce well, but you can use penne or ziti as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and bake right before serving for freshness.
Is it possible to freeze Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake when ready.
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the hearty goodness of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage—an irresistible fusion of al dente rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every cheesy bite. Easy to prepare and customizable, it promises to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook rigatoni until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until cooked through. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rigatoni with ricotta cheese, half each of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish, followed by half of the sausage sauce. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
