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
Scale
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.
