Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired pasta bake featuring tender rigatoni, savory Italian sausage, and rich Boursin garlic and herb cheese. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin garlic and herb cheese
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Add the Boursin garlic and herb cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts completely and incorporates into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your comforting baked rigatoni!
Notes
- You can substitute spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; increase baking time by 5 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
- Use gluten-free rigatoni and sausage to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
