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Cheesy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake

This Cheesy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish loaded with savory sausage and rich marinara—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (beef or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat on paper towels.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

  • In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Seasonings

  • Pour 24 ounces marinara sauce into skillet with onions and garlic. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Return cooked sausage to pan and mix well. Simmer 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Mix the Cheese Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended.

Step 6: Assemble the Rigatoni Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked rigatoni pasta with sausage marinara sauce. Fold in the ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture. Transfer half of the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the layer. Add remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

  • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Optionally broil 2-3 minutes for extra golden crust, watching carefully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Colander
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Oven mitts

Notes

  • This pasta bake can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked from cold with extra baking time.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in microwave or oven.
  • Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.