Description
Rigatoni al Forno is a classic Italian-American baked pasta casserole featuring rigatoni pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, a creamy marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty, cheesy dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect comforting main course for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook sausage and aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked rigatoni into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the ricotta cheese to the sauce, then gently mix everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Evenly top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared up to one day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage to adjust the flavor or for dietary preferences.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce mixture is a great way to incorporate extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
