Introduction:
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food—bubbling with gooey mozzarella, packed with savory Italian sausage, and balanced with fresh baby spinach. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in. The layers of pasta, cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce are impossible to resist. Bonus: it can be made ahead and baked just before serving!
🧂 Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
For the cheese layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).
- Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and Parmesan.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13”), spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the rigatoni, dollop half the ricotta mixture, spoon over half the sauce, and sprinkle with some mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, cheese, and sauce.
- Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
👨🍳 Method Summary:
- Boil pasta to al dente.
- Make savory sausage-tomato sauce with spinach.
- Prepare creamy ricotta cheese mixture.
- Layer pasta, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
🍽️ Serve It With:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- A glass of red wine (Chianti or Zinfandel works great!)