Rigatoni and Sausage Bake 🍝

Overview:

This Rigatoni and Sausage Bake is an irresistible Italian-inspired dish that perfectly combines the heartiness of sausage with the comforting goodness of pasta and cheese. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal in under an hour. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. Plus, with its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Recipe Category: One Dish Meal 🍽️
Keywords: Pork, Cheese, Meat, European, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive 💡
Servings: 6
Aggregated Rating: 5 ⭐

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 668.5
Fat Content: 38.9g
Saturated Fat Content: 17.2g
Cholesterol Content: 130.4mg
Sodium Content: 1516.4mg
Carbohydrate Content: 42.6g
Fiber Content: 3.2g
Sugar Content: 8.1g
Protein Content: 35.6g

Ingredients:

1/2 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake your delicious rigatoni and sausage casserole to perfection.
Cook Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare Sausage Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onions until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are soft and translucent. Once cooked, slice the sausage into thin rounds for easy distribution throughout the dish.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. This creates a gooey, cheesy topping that adds extra flavor and indulgence to the dish.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout. The aroma of melted cheese and savory sausage will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it’s ready!
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the foil from the baking dish and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates or into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips and Variations:

Make it Spicy: For an extra kick of flavor, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
Add Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the sausage mixture for added texture and nutrients.
Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once baked, let it cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this easy and delicious Rigatoni and Sausage Bake. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of la dolce vita right in your own home! 🇮🇹