When I made this Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta for the first time, I couldn’t stop smiling at the table. It’s that perfect balance of comfort food wrapped in cheesy, meaty flavors with just the right amount of tanginess.
The bubbly melted cheese on top? Absolute magic. Serve it up with a fresh salad, a loaf of crusty bread, and watch as everyone scrapes their plates clean. Trust me, this recipe is worth every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create this ultimate pasta dish.
For the Pasta
- 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage (loose or removed from casings): Adds the savory, meaty base.
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped: Brings aromatic, bold flavor.
- ½ small onion, diced: Sweetens and balances the sauce.
- 28 oz can of whole tomatoes (hand-crushed): Creates a thick, flavorful base.
- 6 fresh basil leaves (or 1 tsp dried basil): Freshness with a hint of sweetness.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes: Adds mild heat, optional but recommended.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
For the Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy goodness that melts into the pasta.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, cheesy texture.
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herbaceous kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The bubbling, golden crown on top.
Note: Makes 4–6 servings, perfect for a cozy dinner or leftovers the next day.
Versatile Variations to Try
This dish is incredibly adaptable. Here’s how you can tweak it to suit your needs!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a meat-free alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for bold heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower instead of rigatoni for a lower-carb twist.
Cooking Time & Prep Details
This baked sausage ricotta pasta is quick and easy to whip up. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
With just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!
Essential Equipment for Cooking
Make sure these tools are by your side for a seamless cooking process.
- Large Pot: Perfect for cooking the rigatoni to al dente.
- Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish: Allows you to go from stovetop to oven effortlessly.
- Mixing Bowl: Handy for preparing the perfect ricotta mixture.
- Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up the sausage while cooking.
How to Make the Perfect Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta?
Cooking this pasta dish is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s how to break it down:
Step 1: Preparing the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven! Drain it, and set it aside to cool slightly as you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Browning the Sausage
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sausage and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it sizzles. The crispy bits at the edges? Pure flavor gold. Once browned, transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions until they soften and turn translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma. The smell alone will have you hooked.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
Add the hand-crushed tomatoes, fresh or dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer this mix for a few minutes to bring out its depth of flavor. Stir the cooked sausage back in to warm it through.
Step 5: Preparing the Ricotta Mixture
Combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and a little salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Give it a good stir until it’s creamy and smooth. Spoonfuls of this dreamy mix will transform your pasta dish.
Step 6: Combining Everything
Fold the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Spread it out evenly in the skillet and gently layer dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top.
Step 7: Adding the Toppings
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta. This will melt and bubble in the oven, forming that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 8: Baking to Perfection
Slide the skillet into a preheated oven at 425°F. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Resist the temptation to dig in immediately; give it a few minutes to set first!
Tips for the Best Results
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count. Here are a few tips to take it to the next level:
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Salt and pepper can make or break your sauce and ricotta filling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil or parsley truly elevates the flavor over dried versions.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is key, preventing mushy pasta after baking.
How to Serve Your Masterpiece?
Serve this pasta straight out of the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe or transfer it to a decorative dish for presentation. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color. Pair with warm, crusty bread, a crisp green salad, and a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a perfect pairing.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides a hearty, filling meal with these approximate nutritional values:
- Calories: 445
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 35g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning ahead? No problem! Here’s how to store and prep this dish for different occasions:
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking it fresh.
- Storage: Leftovers hold up well for three days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezing Option: Wrap the unbaked pasta in foil and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Why This Recipe Will Steal Your Heart?
Every bite is a hug in food form, and there are so many reasons to love this recipe:
- Packed with Flavor: Layers of savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and tangy tomato sauce topped with bubbly cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Prep is minimal, and there’s no stress with this forgiving recipe.
- Wide Customization Options: Whether vegetarian, spicy, or low-carb, you can make it yours.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prep, freeze, and bake at your leisure.
This baked sausage ricotta pasta isn’t just a meal. It’s an experience that brings everyone together. I guarantee your table will be filled with happy faces and full bellies. Try it tonight!
Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage loose or casings removed
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- ½ small onion diced
- 28 oz can of whole tomatoes hand-crushed
- 6 fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven! Drain it, and set it aside to cool slightly as you prep the other ingredients.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sausage and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it sizzles. The crispy bits at the edges? Pure flavor gold. Once browned, transfer it to a plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions until they soften and turn translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma. The smell alone will have you hooked.
- Add the hand-crushed tomatoes, fresh or dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer this mix for a few minutes to bring out its depth of flavor. Stir the cooked sausage back in to warm it through.
- Combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and a little salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Give it a good stir until it’s creamy and smooth. Spoonfuls of this dreamy mix will transform your pasta dish.
- Fold the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Spread it out evenly in the skillet and gently layer dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta. This will melt and bubble in the oven, forming that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Slide the skillet into a preheated oven at 425°F. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Resist the temptation to dig in immediately; give it a few minutes to set first!
Notes
- Taste & Adjust: Always season sauces and cheese mixtures to taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor.
- Al Dente Only: Avoid mushy pasta by slightly undercooking before baking.
