Craving a cozy, hearty pasta dish but don’t have time for a long kitchen session? This Shortcut Baked Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Sausage delivers all the bold, comforting flavors of a classic baked pasta—with half the effort. Using store-bought marinara, pre-cooked sausage, and a quick assembly method, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy casserole on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
With its gooey cheese, spicy sausage, and rich sauce, this rigatoni casserole is comfort food at its finest—no long simmering required.