Baked Rigatoni and Sausage

Caryn's Note:

Another simple Italian dish that my family enjoys.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 (8 ounce) cups rigatoni pasta , uncooked
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage link
• ½ cup onion , chopped
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• 1 (26 ¼ ounce) cup ricotta cheese
• 3 (30 ounce) cups spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese , grated

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage until brown on all sides.
3. Remove from pan; slice into thin pieces.
4. Return meat to pan; add onion and garlic.
5. Cook until onion is tender; drain.
6. Stir in hot pasta and ricotta cheese; blend well.
7. Pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce on bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish.
8. Spread one-third pasta mixture over sauce; cover with 1 cup spaghetti sauce.
9. Sprinkle 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese over sauce.
10. Repeat layers of pasta mixture, sauce, and cheeses twice, ending with Parmesan Cheese.
11. Cover, bake at 400 degrees F.
12. for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Reviews

[Kevin Young]

Very good, and very easy. I added one chopped green bell pepper, and used 3 cloves of garlic instead of just one (I love garlic though). My wife and picky son enjoyed it very much.

[Laudee]

Excellent recipe, Caryn! Great Italian cuisine! I used homemade sauce, and then, I got daring! The ricotta was spoiled, the plain yogurt was spoiled, soooo, I slipped in sour cream. Didn't hurt it a bit! It worked, and we enjoyed a fine meal. Thanks so much for sharing. YUM! Laudee

[Kerr(ie)bear]

Wonderful! I made it this time :) and it was a great recipe. Easy to follow. I also added more garlic and cheese. Next time I may substitute the ricotta with tofu just for something a little different. Which means I will make this again!