Description
Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish combining tender rigatoni with flavorful Italian sausage and a blend of creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and tangy feta cheeses. Simmered in a savory marinara sauce with aromatic herbs and garlic, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce (approx. 24 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture.
- Simmer with Sauce and Spices: Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the sausage and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage and sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and crumbled feta cheese, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven, allow it to cool slightly to set, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano if available for enhanced flavor.
