If you’re looking for a hearty family dinner that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni and Italian Sausage Casserole checks every box. Loaded with tender rigatoni pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this baked pasta dish is pure comfort food.
This is the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, meal prep, or bringing to a potluck. The best part? Most of the ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples, making it a reliable recipe to keep in your dinner rotation all year long.
The ridges on rigatoni pasta are perfect for capturing every bit of savory sauce and melted cheese, creating a delicious bite every time. Combined with seasoned Italian sausage and baked until golden and bubbly, it’s hard to find a more comforting dinner.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Baked Rigatoni Sausage Casserole
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Great make-ahead meal
- Perfect for freezing
- Feeds a crowd
- Loaded with cheesy comfort food flavor
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rigatoni pasta
- Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic
- Onion
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Baked Rigatoni and Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Add the diced onion and garlic and continue cooking until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for several minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and gently toss until every piece of pasta is coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Rigatoni
- Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
- Mix sweet and hot Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Baked Rigatoni and Italian Sausage Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Rigatoni Sausage Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. Tender rigatoni pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese before being baked until hot and bubbly. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, freezer meals, and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking while baking.
- Sweet or hot Italian sausage both work well.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella provides the best melt and texture.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: ITALIAN | AMERICAN
Make It Your Own
One of the reasons I love this baked rigatoni recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Try adding:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh spinach
- Roasted red peppers
- Ricotta cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- Extra garlic
What to Serve with Baked Rigatoni
This cheesy sausage pasta casserole pairs perfectly with:
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked rigatoni ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze baked rigatoni casserole?
Yes. This recipe freezes beautifully before or after baking.
What’s the best pasta for a sausage casserole?
Rigatoni works best because the large tubes and ridges hold onto the sauce, cheese, and sausage pieces. Penne and ziti are also excellent substitutes.
Can I use cottage cheese or ricotta?
Yes. Adding a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese creates an even creamier baked pasta casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni and Italian Sausage Casserole is one of those classic comfort food dinners that never goes out of style. With savory sausage, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a recipe the whole family will request again and again.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a cozy baked pasta dinner, this easy sausage rigatoni bake is always a winning choice.
