Description
Baked Sausage and Cheese Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty pasta, savory Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, inviting everyone to indulge in its rich flavors and creamy textures. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful meal in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Each bite bursts with flavor, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be left wanting more. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and cook the rigatoni until al dente; then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, stirring frequently, then mix in marinara sauce and simmer for about five minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sausage mixture until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- – For extra nutrition, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- – Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for varied flavors.
- – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg