Pin It A hearty Italian-American casserole featuring rigatoni pasta, savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese.
I first tried baked rigatoni at a neighborhood potluck, and it quickly became a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. The combination of hearty sausage and melty cheese is always a big hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) rigatoni
- Italian sausage: 1 pound (450 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz / 800 g)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g) grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Combine sausage and sauce:
- Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss pasta and sauce:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper sauce.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Pin It Sharing this baked rigatoni straight from the oven is always the highlight of gatherings with my family. Everyone loves scooping up the cheesy pasta and fighting for the crispy edges.
Make It Ahead
Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake when ready for a stress-free meal. Leftovers reheat well for delicious lunches all week.
Allergy Info
Baked rigatoni contains gluten and dairy. Always check ingredients like sausage and cheese for hidden allergens if you have sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Pin It Enjoy this baked rigatoni for weeknight comfort or any festive family meal. It's always a crowd-pleaser!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best in this dish?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, works best to impart rich, savory flavors that complement the vegetables and sauce.
- → Can I substitute the pasta for a different type?
Yes, rigatoni is ideal for holding the sauce, but penne or ziti can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking before baking?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking directly from chilled.
- → What side dishes pair well with baked rigatoni?
Fresh green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors of this baked pasta dish.