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Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni

Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni: Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni is a rich and creamy dish with Italian sausage and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Rigatoni Pasta Penne or fusilli work too.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Turkey sausage or a meat alternative can lighten it up.
  • 1 cup Sweet Red Pepper Green bell pepper offers a slightly different taste.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onion or shallots are excellent substitutes.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh is best.
  • 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream Half-and-half works for a lighter option.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (Canned) Use fresh tomatoes if you have them!
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Can be skipped if using fresh tomatoes.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme is a lovely substitute.
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust or omit based on spice preference.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can be a lower-fat option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Shredded) Replace with Pecorino Romano for a twist.
  • 4 oz Fresh Goat Cheese For dairy-free, use more ricotta or leave it out.
  • 1 large Egg Flaxseed meal is a great vegan alternative.
For the Topping
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese A blend of mozzarella and provolone brings a different flavor profile.
Essentials
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dishes
  • Colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, sweet red pepper, and chopped onion until browned, approximately 6-8 minutes.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  5. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  6. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  7. In the same skillet, add the cooked rigatoni to the meat sauce, tossing gently to coat.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  8. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded Parmesan, goat cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper until creamy.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  9. Grease two baking dishes. Spread about 3 cups of the pasta mixture in each dish. Dollop the cheese mixture on top, then top with the remaining pasta.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh mozzarella and remaining Parmesan, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni
  11. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, sprinkle with torn basil leaves and serve.
    Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni recipe will surely become a beloved dish in your home!

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