Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty pasta bake. Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Combining savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.

Preparation Steps

Making this pasta bake is straightforward and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
   • Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and cooked sausage. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Layer the Pasta Bake:
   • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the pasta mixture on the bottom.
   • Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of pasta on top.
6. Bake the Pasta:
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Let it Rest:
   • Allow the pasta bake to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Cooking the Sausage

Cooking the sausage properly is crucial for flavor. Brown it well to develop a rich, savory taste, and be sure to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

The ricotta mixture adds creaminess and flavor to the pasta bake. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley, along with grated Parmesan and mozzarella, enhance the taste and texture.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Mixing the pasta with the sausage and marinara sauce ensures that every bite is flavorful. Be sure to coat the pasta evenly for the best results.

Layering the Pasta Bake

Layering the ingredients in the baking dish helps distribute the flavors evenly. Alternate between the pasta mixture and ricotta mixture for a balanced and delicious bake.

Baking to Perfection

For a perfectly baked pasta, cover it with foil for the first part of the baking process to keep it moist. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese on top to become golden and slightly crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta with a side salad and garlic bread. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements this dish wonderfully.

Health Considerations

While this pasta bake is indulgent, you can lighten it up by using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and reducing the amount of cheese. Adding more vegetables also boosts the nutritional value.

Variations to Try

Customize your pasta bake with these variations:

• Different Sausages: Try using chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo.
• Vegetarian: Use a variety of mushrooms and extra vegetables instead of sausage.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like fontina, gouda, or provolone for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of sausage? Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
2. How long does the pasta bake last in the fridge? The pasta bake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the sausage with a mix of mushrooms and additional vegetables.
4. What other types of cheese can I use? You can experiment with cheeses like fontina, gouda, or provolone for a unique twist.
5. How can I make the pasta bake gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the marinara sauce and sausages are gluten-free.
   Yield: 6

   Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta

   

   Print

   When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty pasta bake. Baked Sausage Ricotta Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. Combining savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.

   Prep Time 20 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb loose mild and/or hot Italian sausage, (or fresh sausage, removed from casing)
   • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
   • 1/2 small onion, diced
   • 28 oz canned whole tomatoes , (San Marzano recommended), hand crushed
   • 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried basil)
   • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
   • Salt and pepper
   • 2 1/2 - 3 cups dried rigatoni pasta
   • Ricotta Mixture:
   • 1 cup ricotta cheese
   • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
   • 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
   • Salt and pepper
   • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping

   Instructions

   • Preheat oven to 425 F. (regular bake setting/not fan assisted)

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

   • On the stove-top, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add loose sausage and cook, stirring regularly, until cooked through and browned in spots. Remove to a plate and set aside.

   • To the same skillet, over medium heat, add the onion and cook, stirring until softened. Add garlic and cook and additional 30-45 seconds. Add the hand-crushed tomatoes, chopped basil leaves and a healthy sprinkling of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add sausage back to the skillet and cook a few minutes, to blend the flavours and warm the sausage again. Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper, as needed. (If the flavours seem flat, it needs more salt!). Turn off heat and let stand until pasta is ready.

   • When pasta is cooked, add to the skillet with the tomato sauce and sausage. Stir to combine. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture randomly on top. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

   • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

   Nutrition Information:

   Serving Size:

   1
   Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446