Save 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. Perfect for cozy family dinners and easy entertaining.
I first made this baked rigatoni for a casual Sunday gathering, hoping to capture the homestyle feel of my favorite Italian trattoria. The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sausage always draws everyone to the kitchen, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
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
- Vegetables: 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- Vegetables: 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Vegetables: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Sauce: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Sauce: 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Sauce: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sauce: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheeses: 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cheeses: ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Other: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Other: Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Make 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.
- Combine Sausage & Sauce:
- Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Mix Pasta & Sauce:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and pepper sauce.
- Layer & Add Cheese:
- 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Save This casserole is a favorite at family birthday parties, as everyone appreciates the colorful peppers and bubbling cheese. It always brings laughter around the dinner table and just the right amount of Italian spirit to our evenings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save Serve fresh from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly before slicing. Enjoy with friends and family for a truly comforting meal.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another meat?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option without compromising flavor.
- → How do I ensure the rigatoni is cooked perfectly before baking?
Cook the rigatoni until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions, so it finishes cooking in the oven.
- → What types of bell peppers work best for this dish?
A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds sweetness and color, balancing the savory sausage.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Sautéed mushrooms or spinach are excellent additions that complement the peppers and sausage well.
- → How do I achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping?
Cover the dish with foil and bake first, then uncover during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
- → Is this dish suitable for spicy food lovers?
Yes, using hot Italian sausage and increasing red pepper flakes can add more heat.