If you’re on the hunt for a pasta dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and rich, creamy textures, you’re going to love this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining perfectly al dente rigatoni with savory Italian sausage and the distinctive garlic and herb creaminess of Boursin cheese. The golden, bubbling cheese crust on top makes every bite utterly irresistible, turning an everyday dinner into something special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to bringing the tasty magic of the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe to life. Each one adds a crucial layer, whether it’s the hearty meatiness, the creamy softness, or the bright herbal notes that make this dish unforgettable.
- Rigatoni pasta (1 lb): Choose rigatoni for its large, ridged tubes that hold sauce beautifully.
- Italian sausage (1 lb), casings removed: Adds savory, spicy depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a tender base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3), minced: Packs that irresistible punch of aromatic flavor.
- Can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz): The rich, slightly tangy foundation of the sauce.
- Boursin cheese (4 oz, garlic & herb flavor): Melts into creamy, herby perfection, elevating the whole dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Offers gooey, melty goodness topping the bake.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty sharpness and a golden finish.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup), chopped: Brings a bright, fresh herbal note to balance all the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but crucial for seasoning harmony.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for sautéing and adding a fruity depth to the sauce.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so it holds its shape in the bake. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the sauce that’s about to come alive.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. Then add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon so it cooks evenly and browns nicely. This step builds the warm, savory heart of your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until you smell that irresistible fragrance. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with salt and pepper. Let it all simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld into a luscious sauce that’s just waiting to coat your rigatoni.
Step 4: Incorporate the Boursin Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Boursin cheese. Watch it melt into creamy, herb-swirled goodness that adds a rich, velvety texture to your sauce, making this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Basil
Pour the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and add the chopped fresh basil. Toss everything gently to make sure each tube of pasta is lovingly coated with the flavorful sausage and cheese sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few flakes of red pepper can add a lively contrast on top. Adding a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving brings a silky finish to the dish, raising the flavor profile even more.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked rigatoni pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also brilliant for soaking up any sauce left on the plate, making your meal satisfyingly complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this baked rigatoni in individual ramekins for an elegant touch during dinner parties or family meals. For a rustic vibe, scoop it straight out of a cast-iron skillet at the table; the presentation adds warmth and comfort that matches the flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen with time, making the next-day meal just as enjoyable, if not better.
Freezing
This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese bubbling again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even shell pasta would work well and still taste delicious in this baked dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and chopped fresh herbs is a fantastic substitute to keep that creamy, herby profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The sausage adds a mild to medium heat depending on the type you choose. For less spice, select mild Italian sausage or remove the seeds from any added peppers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble it fully in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a homemade baked pasta like this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe. It’s straightforward yet feels so indulgent, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—trust me, it will soon become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni combined with a flavorful sausage and tomato sauce enriched with creamy garlic & herb Boursin cheese. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh basil for a deliciously hearty meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked rigatoni and chopped fresh basil into the sausage sauce, ensuring an even coating.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top evenly.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; alternatively, dried basil can be used but add during cooking for better flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking during baking.
