Baked Rigatoni

This cheesy baked rigatoni with Italian sausage, fresh herbs, tomatoes, pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a comforting and delicious casserole!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 580 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• aluminum foil
• 2 pounds mild Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 2 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 1.5 (16 ounce) packages rigatoni pasta
• 1.5 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add sausage; stir to break up lumps and cook until lightly browned and crumbly, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

Step 3

Add undrained tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, and parsley to the pan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered, for 25 minutes.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes longer.

Step 5

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse under cool water, and drain again. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 6

Uncover the sauce and increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2/3 of the sauce to pasta; toss to combine. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour remaining sauce over top, and cover with aluminum foil..