A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni, sausage, and a trio of cheeses.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage evenly.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, ricotta, and half of the parmesan.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly for a golden crust.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Adding fresh herbs enhances the dish's aroma and presentation.
Continue in our app for the best experience
