Description
Baked Rigatoni channels Italian-American comfort with layers of hearty pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Creamy ricotta and perfectly al dente rigatoni create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed (or substitute with ground beef)
Main Carbohydrates:
- 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) box rigatoni (or mezzi rigatoni)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Sauces and Cheeses:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (24 ounces/680 grams) jars of marinara sauce (about 5 cups total)
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or additional fresh basil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center. Thoroughly grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish.
- Boil rigatoni pasta in a large pot of generously salted water, cooking until just shy of al dente to prevent overcooking during baking. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high temperature.
- Crumble Italian sausage and diced onions into the pan, cooking until meat loses its pink color and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour both marinara sauce jars into the skillet, incorporating fresh basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, developing rich flavors for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Transfer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the first layer.
- Add remaining pasta mixture, topping with additional 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Satisfy hungry crowds with a restaurant-worthy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation.
- Elevate weeknight dinners by preparing a hearty pasta casserole that captures authentic Italian-American comfort food essence.
- Customize spice levels effortlessly by adjusting red pepper flakes, ensuring every bite meets personal taste preferences.
- Maximize convenience with a make-ahead friendly recipe that develops deeper flavors overnight, perfect for busy households.
- Store leftovers confidently in the freezer for quick reheating, turning one cooking session into multiple delicious meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg