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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Sausage Ricotta

This comforting Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Sausage Ricotta combines rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a melty layer of cheese for a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 2200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Italian sausage Use high-quality sausage for best flavor.
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • fresh basil fresh basil For garnish and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart as it cooks for about 6 minutes until browned.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage sauce mixture. Gently fold in dollops of ricotta, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
  2. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top generously with mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use stovetop with a splash of water or microwave in 1-minute intervals.