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.
This is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and sweet peppers in a rich tomato sauce, all covered in melted cheese, creates a dish that's incredibly satisfying.
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 & Prepare 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.
- Cook 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.
- Prepare 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.
- Combine 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 I remember making this for a casual Friday night dinner with friends, and everyone loved it. It's the kind of meal that encourages lingering at the table and good conversation.
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 with Sausage & Peppers is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works well for a lighter variation and both mild and spicy options can be used.
- → How do I prevent overcooked pasta?
Cook rigatoni two minutes less than the package suggests; the pasta continues to cook while baking.
- → What cheeses are recommended for this dish?
Mozzarella and Parmesan melt well and add flavor, but provolone or fontina may be substituted if desired.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make delicious additions for more veggie content and texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes to boost heat and flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Try a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the hearty casserole.