Save 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 made this baked rigatoni for a busy weeknight dinner and ended up with rave reviews from everyone around the table. It is now a go-to recipe in my home when we want something filling and flavorful that does not require a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) rigatoni
- Meats: 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced, 1 green bell pepper, sliced, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheeses: 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Other: 2 tablespoons olive oil, Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook 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 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 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 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:
- Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss Pasta:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper sauce.
- Layer in Dish:
- 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Save This is a dish everyone in our family requests for birthdays and busy holiday evenings, and there are never leftovers after gatherings.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon, colander, aluminum foil
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 29 g
Notes
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables. For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes. Pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Save This cheesy, savory casserole will bring everyone together at the table. Make it ahead and enjoy an easy, crowd-pleasing meal any night.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, rigatoni works best for holding the sauce, but ziti, penne, or rigatoncini can be good substitutes.
- → How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions; it should be tender but firm to the bite as it will bake further in the oven.
- → Can I substitute turkey or chicken sausage?
Absolutely, lighter sausages like turkey or chicken provide a similar texture and flavor without the pork.
- → What types of bell peppers are best to use?
Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds sweetness, color, and a mild crunch to the dish.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes to add more heat.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be stirred into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.