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.
I first started making this dish many years ago, and it quickly became a household favorite on chilly evenings. The aroma filling the kitchen always brings everyone together, making it a perfect weeknight comfort food.
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
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish:
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole:
- 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 is one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings. The kids love the cheesy top, and the adults appreciate the rich, savory flavors. It always disappears fast!
Required Tools
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese), and may contain pork (sausage). Always check sausage and cheese labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 610
- Total Fat: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 29 g
Save This baked rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion when you need a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage is recommended for authentic flavor. Turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a lighter option.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne or ziti are good alternatives, but rigatoni's tube shape holds the sauce well, making it ideal for this casserole.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to increase the heat. Adjust to your taste for a spicier experience.
- → Is there a vegetarian version?
You can omit sausage or replace it with sautéed mushroom or plant-based substitutes. Add more vegetables like spinach for heartiness.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you may use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors. Ensure cheese melts well.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of water if needed.