Description
Rigatoni al Forno is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked rigatoni with a rich and creamy sausage marinara sauce, layered with a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make it an ultimate cheesy pasta bake perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the prepared sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the ricotta cheese. Mix gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the rigatoni mixture into the dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Finish (Optional): For a golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting Rigatoni al Forno.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or use a plant-based sausage to make this dish vegetarian.
- Add fresh spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the sauce for additional nutrition and flavor.
- The dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
