Baked Rigatoni and Sausage Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Baked Rigatoni and Sausage recipe, a savory European dish that brings together the richness of Italian sausage, the creaminess of ricotta cheese, and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for those occasions when you crave comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rigatoni pasta
- 1 sweet Italian sausage link
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce (divided)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. |
| 2 | Prepare Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet Italian sausage link until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pan, slice it into thin pieces, and then return it to the skillet. |
| 3 | Sauté Onion and Garlic: To the skillet with the sausage, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease if necessary. |
| 4 | Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese, stirring until well blended. |
| 5 | Layer Casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour one cup of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Layer one-third of the pasta mixture over the sauce, then cover it with another cup of spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process twice, ending with a final layer of Parmesan cheese on top. |
| 6 | Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the cheeses are melted and golden brown on top. |
| 7 | Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Baked Rigatoni and Sausage dish with your favorite side salad or garlic bread. |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2088.1
- Fat: 94.1g
- Saturated Fat: 39.6g
- Cholesterol: 356.9mg
- Sodium: 5262.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 212.4g
- Fiber: 8.8g
- Sugar: 66.2g
- Protein: 95.9g
Keywords:
- Less than 60 Minutes
- Oven
Tips for Success:
- Be sure to cook the rigatoni pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade spaghetti sauce for this recipe, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.
- For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the baked casserole before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion:
With its comforting flavors and satisfying textures, this Baked Rigatoni and Sausage recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this hearty dish is guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible Italian-inspired casserole!
