Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe

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If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe fits the bill perfectly. This baked pasta dazzles with layers of creamy cheeses, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Every forkful is a delightful mix of textures and comforting flavors, making it an irresistible dinner option for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals that deserve a little extra love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each item plays a vital role — from the hearty rigatoni that holds all the sauce and cheese to the mix of creamy cheeses that give the dish its signature lusciousness and richness.

• 12 oz rigatoni noodles: The large tubes are perfect for capturing sauce and cheese inside, making every bite satisfying.
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a hearty, savory depth and a little spice for balance.
• 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Brings a vibrant, tomato-rich foundation to the dish without any extra fuss.
• 1 cup sour cream: Offers a tangy creaminess that keeps the cheese layer silky and smooth.
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Helps achieve a velvety texture that melts beautifully into the other cheeses.
• 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds a light, slightly curdled texture contributing to the overall creaminess.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, melty cheese pull everyone loves.
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley: A subtle herbaceous note to brighten the richness.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty topping that crisps up in the oven for a wonderful finish.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick and comes out of the pan effortlessly once baked.

Step 2: Cook Rigatoni Noodles

Boil the rigatoni noodles following the package instructions until they’re al dente—meaning tender but still firm to the bite. After cooking, drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to combine with the sauce and sausage.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Combine with Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned with no pink left. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce. Toss in the cooked rigatoni noodles and mix everything until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and sausage mixture. Transfer this hearty pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, blend together the sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. This rich, creamy mixture will create a luscious topping that perfectly contrasts the zesty meat sauce beneath. Spread this mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese in an even layer over the cheesy cream topping. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden with a few crispy edges. This melt-in-your-mouth finish is what makes this Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe feel truly special.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious sheen and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

This baked rigatoni pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, such as a classic Caesar or a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a natural companion here, perfect for soaking up all those savory sauce drips left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the baked rigatoni in individual oven-safe ramekins for portion control and a charming presentation. You can also turn it into a buffet dish by transferring it into a large flat serving platter and topping with freshly grated parmesan and herbs tableside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, letting you enjoy this comforting meal even on busy days afterward.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling slightly, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni in a 350-degree oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the texture and flavor superior.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if you prefer milder flavors or don’t have Italian sausage on hand. Just season it with Italian herbs to maintain some of that signature taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and increase the amount of cheeses or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra umami and texture without losing the richness.

What type of rigatoni works best?

Regular dried rigatoni noodles work perfectly, as their hollow shape holds the sauce and cheese deliciously. Make sure not to overcook them in the boiling stage since they will finish cooking in the oven.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time without baking?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage or a reduced-fat cheese blend, and swapping cottage cheese for ricotta to lower fat content while maintaining creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its comforting layers of meaty sauce and luscious cheeses. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to an indulgent but homey meal. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite pasta bake!

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Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni Recipe

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4.2 from 32 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender rigatoni pasta baked with a savory Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce mixture, layered with a creamy blend of sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, then topped with parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures in an easy baked pasta recipe.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz rigatoni noodles
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley

Topping

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
2. Cook Rigatoni Noodles: Boil rigatoni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Combine Sausage with Sauce and Pasta: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and the drained rigatoni noodles to the skillet with the sausage. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Pour this pasta mixture into the prepared baking pan.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Layer Cream Cheese Mixture and Top: Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta and sausage layer in the baking pan. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can substitute part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
• Adding fresh basil or oregano can enhance flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American