Baked Rigatoni with Sausage
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for about 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella.
- 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.
- 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.