Pin it A hearty Italian-American casserole featuring rigatoni pasta, savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese.
I made this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage & Peppers for our family Sunday dinner last month. It was a huge hit—everyone went back for seconds and there were barely any leftovers! The combination of peppers and sausage reminded me of cozy meals growing up.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) rigatoni
- Meats: 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced, 1 green bell pepper, sliced, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheeses: 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Other: 2 tablespoons olive oil, Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook 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.
- Brown 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.
- 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.
- Simmer 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.
- Add Sausage:
- Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss Pasta & Sauce:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper sauce.
- Layer in Dish:
- 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.
- Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Pin it The last time I made this for family game night, everyone kept sneaking extra bites from the pan even after dinner was over. It's become our go-to for comfort meals, especially on chilly evenings all together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon, colander, and aluminum foil are needed for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese), and may contain pork (sausage). Always check sausage and cheese labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein. Values are approximate and may vary.
Pin it This baked rigatoni is filling and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends. Serve with a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when baking?
Cook the rigatoni just shy of al dente so it finishes cooking in the oven without getting too soft.
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works well and offers a lighter taste while keeping the dish flavorful.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be added alongside the peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- → What cheeses can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan?
Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella, while pecorino romano is a good alternative for Parmesan.
- → How spicy is this dish, and can it be made spicier?
It has a mild heat, but increasing red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage will boost the spiciness.