Irresistible Baked Rigatoni with Sausage Recipe Delight

The tantalizing aroma of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage wafts through the air, teasing your senses like a mischievous child in a candy store. Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavors, blending savory sausage, creamy cheese, and al dente pasta that dance together in perfect harmony.

Picture this: a chilly evening, laughter bouncing off the walls, and a cozy gathering of friends around the dinner table. As you serve this mouthwatering dish, smiles spread across faces like warm butter on toast. The anticipation builds as everyone digs in, and suddenly, you’re not just serving dinner; you’re creating memories that last a lifetime.

Ingredients for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

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

• Rigatoni Pasta: About 12 ounces of rigatoni brings the perfect bite-sized shape to hold all those delicious sauces.
• Italian Sausage: Use about 1 pound of ground Italian sausage for that robust flavor; spicy or mild will work depending on your taste.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar (about 24 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: One cup of ricotta cheese gives creaminess and balances the acidity of the marinara sauce perfectly.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Two cups of mozzarella create that gooey, melty topping we all crave in pasta dishes.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle (about half a cup) enhances flavors and adds a touch of nutty goodness to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color when sprinkled on top before serving.

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

How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a rolling boil—this is where our rigatoni will take its first plunge!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add about one tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and toss in your rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente; usually around eight minutes should do the trick. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned—about six minutes should be sufficient. Don’t forget to drain excess fat; we want flavor but not grease!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once your sausage has reached peak browning perfection, stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about five minutes while you mix ricotta cheese with half of your mozzarella in a large bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Take an oven-safe baking dish and layer half of the cooked rigatoni at the bottom. Spoon half of the sausage mixture over it followed by dollops of the ricotta-mozzarella blend. Repeat these layers until you’ve used everything up!

Step 6: Top It Off

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan generously over the top layer. Pop this beauty into your preheated oven for around twenty-five minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve piping hot straight from the oven! Transfer portions onto plates or let everyone dig right in from the baking dish—no judgment here! You might want to have some extra basil on hand for garnish because who can resist that fresh pop of green?

Now go ahead—whip up this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage! Your taste buds will thank you later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the ultimate baked rigatoni with sausage, start by browning the sausage in a skillet. While that sizzles, cook your pasta until al dente and prepare your sauce. Combine everything before transferring to a baking dish for that glorious finish in the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to spice things up! Swap out sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create your signature twist on this delicious baked rigatoni with sausage recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings—just be careful not to dry it out!

When I first made this baked rigatoni with sausage for my family, they devoured it within minutes! I still hear my brother raving about how it was better than any restaurant meal he’s had lately—talk about pressure for next time!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

To prepare baked rigatoni with sausage, gather essential ingredients such as rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the flavor. You may also want to include garlic and onion for added depth. Ensure you have enough cheese to create a bubbly topping that will delight everyone at your table.

How long does it take to cook Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

Cooking baked rigatoni with sausage typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Start by boiling the rigatoni for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. While the pasta cooks, brown the sausage in a skillet and prepare your sauce. After combining everything, bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Can I make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare baked rigatoni with sausage ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the baking point, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

What can I serve alongside Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

Baked rigatoni with sausage pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta. You might also consider serving some roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli to add a healthy touch to your meal. These sides balance the flavors and nutrients on your plate perfectly.

Conclusion for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage:

Baked rigatoni with sausage is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. With simple ingredients like pasta, sausage, and cheese, this recipe is both easy to prepare and deliciously indulgent. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or served at gatherings, it promises satisfaction in every bite. Don’t hesitate to try making this delightful dish for your next family meal; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty rigatoni pasta with savory Italian sausage and a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with rich marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings. Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavor, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and customize for your taste.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Handful of fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for about 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked rigatoni, followed by half of the sausage mixture and dollops of the ricotta-mozzarella mix. Repeat layers.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.- For extra flavor, mix in garlic or onion when browning the sausage.- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven or microwave.