Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, with each noodle coated in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is like an Italian nonna giving you a hug, while the flavors dance on your palate, making every bite unforgettable. Imagine sinking into your couch with a plate of this comforting goodness after a long day; it’s pure bliss.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and plates are never empty for long. Whether it’s game night or a cozy Sunday dinner, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage always steals the show and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will keep your taste buds cheering!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up, and they couldn’t stop raving about how good it tasted.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: I prefer using large rigatoni for its ability to hold onto sauce beautifully.

• Italian Sausage: Use spicy or sweet sausage based on your preference; both add fantastic flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Opt for high-quality marinara for the best taste; homemade is even better if you have time.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A generous layer on top creates that gooey, melty texture we all crave.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brightens the dish and adds a fresh aroma that elevates every bite.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential; it infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté everything together, adding a lovely richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this delightful dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well but save some pasta water.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crispy, releasing those mouthwatering aromas.

Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic when the sausage is almost done cooking. Sauté for another minute until fragrant—this step truly elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

Mix in Marinara: Pour in marinara sauce once your sausage is golden brown and aromatic. Allow it to simmer gently while stirring occasionally; let those flavors meld together beautifully.

Add Ricotta & Basil: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth—this mixture will add creaminess to your baked rigatoni.

Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with the sausage sauce mixture and ricotta blend. Mix well to ensure every noodle is coated evenly before transferring to a baking dish.

Add Cheese & Bake: Top your pasta mixture generously with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it! With just these steps, you’ve created an unforgettable Baked Rigatoni with Sausage that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy your culinary triumph!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve a harmonious flavor, cook the sausage first, then prepare your pasta while simmering the sauce. This timing ensures everything melds perfectly when baked.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach and mushrooms. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate your dish even more.

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, which keeps it crispy.

Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed as we shared bites of this comforting dish, making every occasion deliciously memorable.

FAQ

Can I use different types of pasta for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

Absolutely! Penne or ziti work well too and offer a fun twist.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

Simmer your sauce longer to reduce it or add a bit of tomato paste for thickness.

Can I prepare Baked Rigatoni in advance?

Yes! Assemble it beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Print

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a comforting Italian classic that combines al dente rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, offering an unforgettable flavor experience. With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, Baked Rigatoni is sure to steal the show at your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add crumbled sausage, and cook until browned.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Combine cooked rigatoni with sausage mixture and ricotta blend; transfer to a baking dish.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 770mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg