Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Looking to bring the flavors of Italy into your home? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage. Picture this: al dente rigatoni enveloped in a creamy tomato sauce, studded with savory bites of Italian sausage, and topped with a golden layer of gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and satisfies every craving.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a spontaneous dinner gathering and let me tell you, it was a hit! The beauty of this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage lies in its simplicity – allowing you to mingle with guests while the oven works its magic. The key to its lusciousness? A generous pour of heavy cream that lends a velvety texture to the sauce, ensuring each bite is a luxurious experience.

Versatile and comforting, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic Italian sausage or opt for a lighter protein like ground turkey, or even go the vegetarian route with plant-based sausage or loads of veggies, this Baked Rigatoni is a canvas for your culinary creativity. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a meal prep dream. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to savor a taste of Italy right at your dinner table.

Quick Benefits

• Delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort
• Creamy tomato sauce hugs every ridge of the pasta
• Italian sausage adds rich flavor to the dish
• Versatile – can be customized with different protein options or vegetarian substitutes

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Comfort Food: Enjoy a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but made with minimal effort in your own kitchen.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce: Indulge in a rich and silky sauce that perfectly coats every rigatoni noodle for a satisfying bite.
• Irresistible Flavor: The Italian sausage brings a depth of flavor, while the golden cheese topping adds a delightful pull with each mouthful.
• Time-Saving: Impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen; let the oven do the work while you enjoy time with friends and family.
• Secret Ingredient – Heavy Cream: The heavy cream creates a stable, luxurious sauce that won’t separate during baking, making this dish feel indulgent.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe with your favorite protein – swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken, or go vegetarian with plant-based sausage or a medley of sautéed veggies.
• Leftover Delight: This dish tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together. Reheat easily for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy a complete meal with a simple green salad and garlic bread, or create a true Italian dining experience by pairing with a glass of white wine.
• Pasta Swaps: While rigatoni is recommended, feel free to substitute with penne or ziti for a similar saucy and cheesy result.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for a stress-free meal.

Ingredients for Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Main Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoon dried)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cream (25% – 35% fat)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (15-oz can)
• 1 lb rigatoni (approximately 450 grams)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup dry white wine

How to Make Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Cook Rigatoni

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook rigatoni until al dente following package instructions, then drain.

Step 3: Prepare Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Remove casing from Italian sausage, add to the pan, and break up with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until sausage is fully cooked.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Cook the diced onion and minced garlic in the pan until the onion turns translucent, which should take around 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add White Wine

Add the dry white wine and cook for approximately 5 minutes until most of it evaporates.

Step 6: Make Tomato Sauce

Add the cooked sausage, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Finish Sauce

Combine the fresh parsley, basil, and cream, stirring well.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Combine the drained rigatoni with the sauce, then transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 9: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and basil.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed the delicious baked rigatoni with sausage, it is important to store any leftovers properly. To maintain the flavors and texture of the dish, transfer the remaining pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the container with foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, for individual portions, you can microwave them with a damp paper towel over the top to help retain moisture.

Leftover baked rigatoni actually develops deeper flavors over time, making it a great dish to prepare in advance and enjoy later. The creamy tomato sauce melds with the pasta, sausage, and cheese, creating a satisfying meal that can be easily enjoyed for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Whether reheated in the oven or microwaved, this dish will continue to delight your taste buds with each bite, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy days or quick meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Keep in mind that the creaminess might be slightly reduced, but it will still be delicious. Just be careful with lower-fat alternatives as they might not hold up as well during baking.

For a vegetarian option, you can easily swap the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These alternatives will still provide a flavorful and satisfying dish while catering to different dietary preferences.

If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, feel free to use penne or ziti instead. These pasta shapes are also great at holding the sauce and will give you a similar result. Remember, the key is to have fun experimenting with different ingredients to tailor this baked rigatoni to your preferences or dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, present the baked rigatoni with sausage family-style in a large, rustic baking dish. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside a basket of warm garlic breadsticks or slices of crusty Italian bread to mop up the luscious sauce, ensuring no drop goes to waste.

To elevate the dining experience, consider serving individual portions of the baked rigatoni with sausage in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Top each portion with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving. Pair this cozy dish with a bold red wine like Chianti or a fruity Pinot Noir for a perfect balance of flavors.

FAQs for Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?

Yes, while rigatoni is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce, you can substitute with penne or ziti for a similar result.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely. Ground beef or turkey can be used, but Italian sausage adds extra flavor due to the spices it contains.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Assemble the dish but bake just before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. The combination of hearty sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with loved ones.

Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly elaborate nature of this dish. With a few simple steps and quality ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right in your own kitchen. So go ahead, give this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage a try, and enjoy the warm and satisfying flavors that will surely make it a staple in your recipe collection.