Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage & Peppers is a comforting Italian-American dish that brings together tender rigatoni pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and a colorful mix of bell peppers all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty casserole is then baked to golden, bubbly perfection beneath a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making it an irresistible meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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This recipe blends classic Italian-American flavors that are sure to satisfy comforting cravings. The combination of sausage and peppers is enhanced by the herby tomato sauce, while melting cheeses add a luscious finish that invites everyone back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) rigatoni
• 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

2. Cook the rigatoni

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.

3. Brown the 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 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

4. 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.

5. Make the 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.

6. Combine sausage with sauce

Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.

7. Toss pasta with sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper sauce.

8. Assemble the casserole

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.

9. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

10. Rest and serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Dieses Gericht lässt sich einfach vorbereiten und ist ideal für Familienessen. Achten Sie darauf, die Pasta nicht zu lange zu kochen, damit sie im Ofen nicht matschig wird. Die Kombination aus verschiedenen Paprikafarben sorgt für ein attraktives Aussehen und eine süße Geschmacksnote. Frische Kräuter runden das Aroma perfekt ab.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine leichtere Variante können Sie Puten- oder Hähnchenwurst verwenden. Wer mehr Gemüse möchte, kann sautierte Champignons oder Spinat hinzufügen. Für mehr Schärfe eignet sich scharfe italienische Wurst und eine erhöhte Menge an Chiliflocken.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie dieses Gericht mit frischem Basilikum oder Petersilie garniert. Es passt hervorragend zu einem mittelkräftigen Rotwein wie Chianti oder Sangiovese. Frisches knuspriges Brot rundet das Essen ab.

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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage & Peppers is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines classic flavors and textures into a comforting meal. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for weeknights or special gatherings alike.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, mild or spicy, provides optimal flavor. You can also substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes to add more heat and depth to the sauce.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach make excellent additions that complement the peppers and sausage well.

→ What cheese varieties are recommended?

Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish. Together they create a rich cheesy topping.

→ How should I cook the pasta for best results?

Cook rigatoni until just al dente, slightly less than package instructions, to ensure it finishes perfectly baked without becoming mushy.