The aroma of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Each layer of cheesy goodness, seasoned sausage, and perfectly baked pasta creates an experience that makes you feel like you’re home, no matter where you are.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- How spicy is this baked rigatoni with sausage?
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, and your friends are arriving for dinner. The table is set, and as they walk in, they can’t help but smile at the sight of bubbling rigatoni layered with rich marinara sauce. It’s not just food; it’s a celebration waiting to happen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked rigatoni is as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings
- The flavor profile combines savory sausage with melty cheese for an irresistible dish
- With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, this meal will steal the spotlight at any dinner table
- Enjoy it as a comforting family meal or impress guests at your next get-together
I served this dish during my sister’s birthday last year, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless. Even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist going back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Rigatoni Pasta: Choose large tube-shaped pasta to hold the sauce and cheese perfectly.
Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference; both add fantastic flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or your homemade version for the best taste.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and a delightful texture to each bite.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey finish everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own if possible; it enhances flavor depth and adds a lovely crust when baked.
Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh aroma to the dish.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire meal.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté and add richness to your dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop garlic, measure out cheeses, and have your sausage ready to go. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re at it.
Sauté the Sausage and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add sliced sausage and minced garlic until fragrant and browned, about 5 minutes. That sizzling sound is music to my ears!
Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the sausage mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes until combined flavors meld beautifully. Your kitchen should smell like heaven right now.
Cook Rigatoni Pasta: Meanwhile, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook rigatoni until al dente as per package instructions; usually around 8-10 minutes should do the trick. Drain well but don’t rinse; we want that starch!
Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with ricotta cheese and half of your mozzarella cheese. Fold in the sausage mixture next; be gentle! Transfer everything into a greased baking dish.
Bake Until Golden Brown : Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses before placing in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving—it’ll be hard to resist!
Now that you’ve tackled Baked Rigatoni with Sausage like a pro, sit back, relax, and enjoy every delightful bite! It’s more than just dinner; it’s an experience filled with laughter and love around the table. You’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a hearty dish that combines robust flavors and textures
- The aroma of savory sausage mingling with pasta and melted cheese creates an irresistible invitation for dinner
- This recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a solo binge-watching marathon, as it’s both comforting and filling
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage first to infuse great flavor, then boil the rigatoni while preparing your sauce. Assemble everything together in a baking dish for maximum cheesy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate this baked rigatoni to new levels!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that delicious cheese melts again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta for added creaminess
- Don’t skip browning the sausage; this step boosts the overall flavor significantly
- Let the dish rest after baking—this helps it set up nicely for servings
Memories flood back when I think of making this dish on chilly evenings, where my friends devoured every bite, leaving me with only crumbs and happy hearts.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal, any pasta shape holds sauce well and works perfectly.
How spicy is this baked rigatoni with sausage?
The spiciness depends on your sausage choice; opt for mild or spicy based on your preference!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute sausage with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner. This dish features layers of hearty pasta, savory sausage, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection in rich marinara sauce. With every bite, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors that feels like a warm embrace. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sliced sausage and minced garlic; sauté until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook rigatoni until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with ricotta and half of the mozzarella. Gently fold in sausage mixture and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
