This cheesy Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella rigatoni is like a warm hug on a dinner plate.
Directions for: Cheesy Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
1 lb(s) rigatoni
1 onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb(s) Italian sausage
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 (25-oz) jars marinara sauce
2 (8-oz) balls fresh mozzarella, cut into large cubes
cup grated Parmesan
Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions; drain and set aside to cool.
2. Saute the onions in the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Crumble in the sausage, add the crushed red pepper and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the marinara sauce, mix everything together and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. To assemble, add about 2 spoonfuls of the sauce--just enough to coat the bottom--to a baking dish. Then layer half of the cooled noodles, half of the mozzarella cubes and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the process: layer the remaining noodles, mozzarella and sauce, then top with the Parmesan. Cover and put in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook.
4. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350F. Cook the rigatoni until heated through and bubbling, 25 minutes straight from the fridge, or 2 hours straight from the freezer. Garnish with minced parsley before serving.
5. Cook's Note: This dish can also be cooked immediately after assembling in a preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350F.
See more: Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner, Italian, Main, Pasta, Pork, Tomatoes