Delicious Baked Rigatoni with Sausage Recipe to Savor

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture this: a bubbling casserole filled with tender rigatoni, savory sausage, and melted cheese that pulls apart in gooey strands. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in its embrace like an old friend who just walked through the door. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates memories.

Think back to the last family gathering where laughter echoed off the walls, and someone made a cheeky comment about Aunt Linda’s famous pasta. Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is perfect for those moments—simple to prepare yet impressive enough to make you feel like a culinary genius. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that promises comfort and joy in every bite.

Ingredients for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

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

• Rigatoni Pasta: About 1 pound of rigatoni provides that perfect tubular shape to hold all the cheesy goodness.
• Italian Sausage: Choose between sweet or spicy depending on your heat preference; about 1 pound should do the trick.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Mozzarella Cheese: About 2 cups shredded mozzarella creates that glorious melty top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Fresh Basil: A handful of chopped basil adds freshness and color; you can use dried if that’s what you have.

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). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so that our delicious creation won’t stick around longer than necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you work some sausage magic.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary (unless you’re feeling indulgent).

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, browned sausage, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and basil. Mix until everything is well coated—this is where flavors start mingling like old friends at a reunion.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan generously over the top because let’s be real; more cheese equals more happiness.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Cover with aluminum foil (to keep things cozy), then bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve yourself a generous portion of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage, perhaps alongside a crisp salad or some garlic bread—because carbs are life! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those family gatherings where laughter was as abundant as this comforting meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet until golden brown. While that sizzles, boil your rigatoni until al dente. Once done, mix everything with your sauce, then layer it into a baking dish with cheese on top for that irresistible gooey finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the sausage for ground turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Add some spinach or zucchini for extra veggies, or try different cheeses like gouda or fontina to change up the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience without losing that cheesy goodness.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and delicious smells filled the air, creating memories as warm as this baked rigatoni itself.

FAQs:

What is Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a delicious Italian-American dish that combines tubular pasta with savory sausage, marinara sauce, and cheese. The rigatoni is typically cooked al dente, mixed with ground sausage, and layered with sauce and cheese before being baked to perfection. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

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

The preparation time for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. After preparing the ingredients, you will need to bake the dish for about 25 to 30 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire cooking process to last around 45 to 50 minutes before serving this tasty meal.

Can I make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Baked Rigatoni with Sausage ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish without baking and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, preheat your oven and bake until it’s heated through and bubbly. This makes it a convenient choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.

What variations can I try for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage?

You can customize your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Consider using different types of cheeses such as mozzarella or ricotta for varied flavor profiles. You can also substitute turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a leaner option while still enjoying the rich taste of this beloved dish.

Conclusion for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage:

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage stands out as a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients. With its blend of pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you make it ahead of time or serve it fresh from the oven, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering a delightful explosion of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. With customizable ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
3. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, draining excess fat if needed.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, browned sausage, marinara sauce, half the mozzarella, and chopped basil.
5. Transfer mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Substitute ground turkey or mushrooms for a healthier or vegetarian option.- Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for an extra nutrient boost.