BAKED RIGATONI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large or 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into small florets
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (25 oz.) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz. smoked (or fresh) mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 º F.
  2. Add the ricotta, basil, and a pinch of salt to a small bowl. Stir together with a rubber spatula. Set aside.
  3. Start boiling water with a handful of salt in a large pot for the pasta.
  4. Heat a large ovenproof skillet, like a cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sausage to the pan. Break apart the sausage and stir until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the broccoli and garlic, cook about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the pasta into the boiling water. Start the timer for 5 minutes.
  6. Add the marinara and ¼ teaspoon salt into the pan. Stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
  7. Scoop and add the pasta directly into the pan after it's been cooked for 5 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle with ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat.
  9. Add about ¼ cup of pasta water to thin the sauce slightly.
  10. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the top. Nestle the ricotta mixture into the pasta and cover with some of the pasta.
  11. Top with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and sliced mozzarella.
  12. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe by Let's Cook Some Food at https://www.letscooksomefood.com/baked-rigatoni-with-italian-sausage/