Italian Sausage and Rigatoni Al Forno
Indulge in our Italian Sausage and Rigatoni Al Forno, a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Tender rigatoni pasta baked with savory Italian sausage, fresh onions, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, this dish is irresistibly hearty and satisfying. Finished with a layer of tangy spaghetti sauce and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan, it's a comforting family favorite. Serve with crusty Italian bread for a complete dining experience!
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
1/2 lb (uncooked)
Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
spaghetti sauce
3 cups (jarred or homemade)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
ricotta cheese
1 cup
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and chopped onions. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4
Slice the cooked sausage into thin rounds and return to the skillet with the onions to combine the flavors.
5
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage mixture, 2 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer this mixture into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce on top.
7
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce for a cheesy topping.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly.
9
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
50g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Sausage and Rigatoni Al Forno?
It is a hearty one-dish baked pasta meal featuring rigatoni, Italian sausage, onions, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese in a tangy spaghetti sauce.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1/2 lb of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
How much Italian sausage is required?
You will need 1 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I cook the pasta for this dish?
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain.
How should I prepare the onion?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped onion to cook with the sausage.
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of either jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce.
What types of cheese are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses a blend of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish bakes for a total of 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Should I cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the 13x9 inch baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Brown the sausage and onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, then slice into thin rounds.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the sausage and onions.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides about 23g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 30g of fat per serving in this Italian Sausage and Rigatoni Al Forno.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish do I need?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
What should I serve with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty Italian bread for a complete experience.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella should be mixed into the pasta?
Mix 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella into the pasta mixture, saving the rest for the top.
How much parmesan is used in the mixture?
Use 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan in the main mixture and save the rest for the topping.
When do I add the remaining spaghetti sauce?
After transferring the pasta mixture to the dish, spoon the remaining 1/2 cup of sauce on top before adding the final cheese layer.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The dish is done when it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to help it set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 main ingredients.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a comforting family favorite and a hearty meal.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While rigatoni is specified, you could use similar tubular pastas like penne or ziti, though cooking times may vary.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and tangy tomato sauce.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because it combines pasta, protein, and sauce in one baking pan.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Italian comfort food and baked pasta.