Description
This Cheesy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is an ultimate recipe that combines savory Italian sausage with tender rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, to preference)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat with the sausage and sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the rigatoni mixture to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Experiment with different cheese blends.
- Serve hot for the best experience.
- Reserve some cheese for topping before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A