There’s something magical about the aroma of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage wafting through the house. Imagine a bubbling dish, golden cheese melting on top, with savory sausage peeking through the pasta—your taste buds are already doing a happy dance just thinking about it. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
I still remember the first time I made this delightful pasta dish for my friends. Their faces lit up as they dug into that bubbling casserole, and let me tell you, it felt like I had just discovered the secret to happiness! Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage never fails to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage combines ease of preparation with rich flavors that make every bite unforgettable
- The vibrant colors and cheesy goodness create an eye-catching centerpiece for any table
- It’s versatile enough to customize based on your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand
- Perfectly baked until golden brown, this dish guarantees smiles all around!
I’ll never forget my sister’s face when she took her first bite—it was a mix of joy and disbelief that I could whip up something so delicious!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rigatoni Pasta: Choose large rigatoni for great sauce retention; this will give you those perfect bites of flavor.
- Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick; sweet sausage works if you prefer milder flavors.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for your favorite jarred sauce or homemade; either way, it should be rich and flavorful.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; look for whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella creates a gooey topping; don’t skimp on cheese—more is always better!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty finish; use freshly grated if possible for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brightens up the dish; it’s optional but highly recommended for freshness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil enhances flavor; use extra virgin for the best taste.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses lovely aroma and depth; avoid powdered garlic if you can help it.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors—don’t forget to adjust to your taste!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Dice garlic and chop basil while your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Sausage and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then crumble in sausage. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—around 1 minute is perfect.
Add Marinara Sauce and Ricotta : Stir in marinara sauce along with dollops of ricotta cheese. Mix well until everything is heated through—this should take another 3 minutes.
Combine Pasta with Sauce : Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sausage mixture until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. You want each bite packed with flavor!
Bake Until Golden : Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve : Once done, remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top before serving—it makes everything look fancy!
Now you’re ready to dig into your masterpiece! Each bite will remind you why Baked Rigatoni with Sausage holds such a special place at our dinner table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings
- The blend of gooey cheese and savory sausage creates an aroma that will make your mouth water
- Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that simplifies cleanup, allowing more time to enjoy the meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage first; this infuses flavor into the pasta as it cooks. Simultaneously, boil your rigatoni until al dente before mixing everything together with your sauce and cheese for that perfect baked finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda to create your unique twist on baked rigatoni.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, keeping that gooey texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Pre-grate your cheese for better melting and even coverage throughout the dish
- Finally, let it sit for 10 minutes after baking to enhance flavors and texture
Sharing this dish with friends always leads to laughter and compliments—especially when they ask for seconds! One friend even declared it “life-changing,” which made my day!
FAQ
What can I substitute for sausage in baked rigatoni?
Consider using ground turkey or even plant-based sausage alternatives for lighter options.
Can I prepare baked rigatoni ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking when you’re ready to eat.
How do I know when baked rigatoni is done?
Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown top, indicating it’s perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish that elevates any mealtime. With layers of tender rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, this casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining friends, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Experience the warmth and joy of this delightful recipe that brings smiles with every bite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumble in the sausage. Cook until browned, around 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce and dollops of ricotta cheese; mix until heated through for about 3 minutes.
- Gently fold the cooked rigatoni into the sausage mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
