Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce, melty cheese, and savory sausage slices. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
Why This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Is the Best
- Rich Tomato Sauce: The pasta is coated in a flavorful tomato-based sauce that provides a rich and savory taste.
- Melty Cheese: The dish is topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, adding a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Savory Sausage: The inclusion of sausage slices adds a savory and meaty element that complements the pasta and sauce.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with grated cheese and a sprig of parsley, the dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
- Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, providing a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or looking for a comforting and indulgent meal, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the perfect choice. The combination of rich sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Mild Italian Sausage Links: Adds savory depth and a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the cheesy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and roasting, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-balanced dish.
- Rigatoni: A sturdy pasta that holds up to the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and acidity, they add a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Dried Oregano: Lends a classic Italian herbaceous note.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat that balances the richness.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and mild earthiness.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato base that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the overall umami flavor and adds a nutty sharpness.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright finishing touch for added freshness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, gooey texture with its mild, milky richness.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cheese, fresh sausage, and good-quality pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the rigatoni pasta until it’s al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Generously Add Cheese: Apply a generous amount of cheese to the top of the dish for added creaminess and visual appeal.
- Bake Until Golden-Brown: Bake the dish until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown for the best results.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- With a Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with a cold drink like iced tea or sparkling water to complement the flavors.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into a plate of this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni—each bite filled with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and melty cheese, all garnished with fresh parsley. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create this comforting and indulgent meal to impress your loved ones and make any occasion special!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
-
Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
-
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
-
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Italian Sausage
-
Cheesy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort dish with savory sausage, gooey mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and a rich marinara sauce baked to perfection!
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild italian sausage
- ¼ cup + a drizzle of olive oil
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley plus more for topping
- ½ lb shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ lb fresh mozzarella cheese drained + sliced ¼
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the sausage links on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and rub to coat evenly. Roast for about 12 minutes, just until cooked through. Transfer them to a cutting board, and once they’re cool enough, slice into ¼” pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and give it a good stir. Cook until it's just two minutes shy of the package instructions.
- At the same time, heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Pour in ¼ cup of olive oil, and once it's hot, add the sliced sausage. Let it brown for about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing them to burst and release their juices. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and mix in the spinach. Scoop out ½ cup of the pasta water and add it to the sauce. Let everything simmer while the spinach wilts. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it straight into the sauce along with the parsley. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Lightly grease a 12” cast iron skillet or a 9x13x3” baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then layer with half of the shredded mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the sliced fresh mozzarella and the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted. Switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and some grated parmesan before serving. Enjoy!
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends!
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni