Craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This Shortcut Baked Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Sausage delivers all the comfort of a classic baked pasta with a few time-saving tricks. Packed with bold flavors, gooey cheese, and a touch of heat, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Baked Rigatoni With Italian Sausage
- Quick & Easy: Uses store-bought ingredients to cut down on prep time.
- Full of Flavor: Spicy Italian sausage adds depth, while marinara sauce keeps it rich.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy, comforting, and satisfying—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce. Add ricotta and half of the mozzarella, stirring gently to mix.
5. Bake to Perfection
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-cooked sausage to skip the browning step.
- Try no-boil pasta for an even faster version.
- Make ahead and refrigerate—just bake when ready!
This Shortcut Baked Rigatoni is the perfect balance of ease and flavor, making it a go-to meal for any night of the week. Enjoy
Quick & Cozy Baked Rigatoni With Italian Sausage
Description
Craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This Shortcut Baked Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Sausage delivers all the comfort of a classic baked pasta with a few time-saving tricks.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1090kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 48g74%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 135mg45%
- Sodium 3840mg160%
- Total Carbohydrate 129g43%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
