Baked Rigatoni Pie with Italian Sausage
Indulge in a tantalizing Italian culinary experience with our delightful Baked Rigatoni Pie featuring the exquisite flavors of Polidori Italian Sausage. This mouthwatering dish boasts perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta nestled between layers of rich, homemade sauce infused with Polidori's premium sausage, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The alchemy of sautéed onions, minced garlic, and crushed Calabrian chili adds depth to the sauce, while a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese crowns this savory masterpiece. Simple to assemble and a joy to savor, this baked pasta in a springform pan is a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion, bringing Italian comfort to your table.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Resting Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1/2 pound loose or 2 links of Italian Sausage we used Polidori brand
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed Calabrian chili
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound Rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
Prepare the Sauce:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being cautious not to burn it.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
Add the crushed Calabrian chili, dried oregano, and sugar, stirring thoroughly.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth. Set aside.
Prepare the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a 9-inch springform pan using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
In a large pot of boiling water, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and cook the Rigatoni pasta until it is slightly underdone, about 1 minute less than package directions (approximately 8 minutes).
Drain the pasta and toss it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
Assemble and Bake:
In the greased springform pan, tightly pack the cooked pasta, standing each piece on end.
Spread the prepared pasta sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring it fills the gaps and coats the pasta well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella on top of the pasta and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
Remove the baked pasta from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
Carefully run a knife around the edges, then release and remove the springform pan.
Cut the baked rigatoni pasta into wedges and serve hot.
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