Main Dishescarlsbadcravings5.0
Baked Rigatoni Recipe
This Baked Rigatoni recipe is richly satisfying, hearty yet elegant and destined to become a family favorite! Al dente rigatoni is swaddled in tomato cream sauce (pink sauce) infused with garlic, onions and basil, studded with sweet bell peppers and juicy Italian sausage, blanketed with buttery mozzarella and nutty Parmesan then baked to melty perfection. This Baked Rigatoni is easily customizable (use turkey sausage, etc., swap veggies), make ahead and freezer friendly. Serve Rigatoni al Forno with Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread or Breadsticks for a cozy dinner everyone will love.
👥 6 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 1h 5m⏳ Prep: 35 min🔥 Cook: 30 min👤 Jen📖 carlsbadcravings
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- oven
- dutch oven
- baking dish
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2
Cook rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until ⏱️ 1 minute shy of al dente – don’t overcook because it will continue to cook in the oven. Strain and rinse with cold water.
3
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and cook for ⏱️ 3 minutes. Add sausage and cook until almost cooked through. Add the bell peppers, garlic and optional red pepper flakes and cook for an additional ⏱️ 2-3 minutes or until the onions are softened. Discard excess grease (if there is any).
4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, bouillon, sugar, bay leaf and all seasonings.
sugar, (more or less to taste)1 teaspoonbay leaf1
5
Cover, leaving about a 1-inch gap, and gently simmer for ⏱️ 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaf.
bay leaf1
6
Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the rigatoni. Stir until pasta is completely coated. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
7
Add to a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
8
Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for ⏱️ 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake a few more minutes for toasted cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
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