Rustic Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake

Discover the comforting flavors of Rustic Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake, a hearty dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. This delightful recipe features robust rigatoni pasta enveloped in a savory sauce made with Italian sausage, colorful vegetables, and a trio of cheeses. Easy to prepare and packed with deliciousness, this bake is a celebration of Italian culture that brings everyone together around the table. Embrace the joy of home cooking with this satisfying recipe.

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Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy based on your preference)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it directly into the skillet. Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Introduce the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the diced zucchini and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.

Combine the Sauce: Return the browned sausage back into the skillet. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Mix in the Rigatoni: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and vegetable mix, then add the ricotta cheese. Gently combine everything until the rigatoni is well coated in the sauce.

Assemble the Bake: Grease a 3-quart baking dish with olive oil. Spoon half of the rigatoni mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over this layer. Add the remaining rigatoni mixture on top, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake: Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has turned a lovely golden color.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Rustic Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6