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Four-Cheese Sausage Rigatoni

A comforting dish that combines four different cheeses with savory Italian sausage, perfect for family gatherings.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • Torn fresh basil, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. In a large saucepan, cook the Italian sausage, chopped red pepper, and chopped onion over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and cook for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook uncovered to thicken for about 5-8 minutes.
  7. Drain cooked rigatoni and stir into the sauce.
  8. Spread 3 cups of the mixture into each of the two greased baking dishes.
  9. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, goat cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and spread over pasta in each dish.
  10. Top with remaining pasta mixture.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  12. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top, bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
  13. Sprinkle with torn fresh basil before serving if desired.

Notes

Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge overnight before baking.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Rigatoni, Pasta, Cheese, Sausage, Comfort Food