This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that brings together roasted Italian sausage, burst cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlicky marinara sauce. Layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling, this dish is a family favorite and a perfect meal for any night of the week.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb mild Italian sausage links

• ¼ cup + a drizzle of olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 1 lb rigatoni

• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved

• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

• ¼ lb fresh spinach (2 large handfuls)

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for topping

• ½ lb shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ lb fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced ¼”

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the sausage links on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Rub to coat, and roast for 12 minutes, or until cooked through. Once cool enough, slice the sausage into ¼” pieces.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni for 2 minutes less than package instructions.

3. Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add ¼ cup olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt, cooking until the tomatoes burst, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

5. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add spinach and a ½ cup of starchy pasta water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, letting the spinach wilt, and stir in parmesan cheese to melt.

6. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, stirring in the parsley.

7. Grease a 12” cast iron skillet or 9x13x3” baking dish with olive oil. Layer half the pasta in the dish, top with half the shredded mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, top with fresh mozzarella slices and remaining shredded mozzarella.

8. Bake for 8 minutes, then broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden.

9. Serve with parsley and grated parmesan on top.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 550-600 kcal

• Protein: 28-32 g

• Carbohydrates: 50-55 g

• Total Fat: 30-35 g

• Saturated Fat: 12-15 g

• Dietary Fiber: 4-5 g

• Cholesterol: 55-70 mg

• Sodium: 850-1000 mg

• Total Sugars: 8-10 g

• Vitamin A: 15-20% of daily value

• Vitamin C: 10-15% of daily value

• Calcium: 20-25% of daily value

• Iron: 15-20% of daily value

These values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used (such as marinara sauce, sausage, and cheese). For more accurate nutritional information, I recommend using a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients you plan to use.

The Appeal of Rigatoni

Rigatoni, a large, ridged pasta, is the ideal vessel for this baked pasta dish. Its size and shape allow it to hold up well to the hearty sausage and chunky marinara sauce. The ridges of rigatoni help trap the sauce, creating an extra layer of flavor with every bite. Unlike smaller pasta shapes that might get lost in a sauce, rigatoni provides the perfect bite-sized morsel that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. The pasta’s texture and ability to soak up the sauce also help it stay tender even after being baked in the oven.

The Italian Sausage: The Heart of the Dish

The Italian sausage is truly the star of this recipe. Roasted to perfection, the sausage lends an intense, savory flavor to the entire dish. The mild sausage is seasoned with a blend of spices that complement the richness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomatoes. By roasting the sausage before adding it to the sauce, the fat caramelizes, enhancing its flavor and creating a crispy texture that adds contrast to the softer elements of the dish. The sausage links are then sliced into small pieces, ensuring that each serving is packed with that irresistible savory goodness.

The sausage pairs beautifully with the burst cherry tomatoes, which add a fresh, juicy component that balances the richness of the sausage. This combination of flavors is further amplified by the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, creating a deeply aromatic and well-rounded base for the entire dish.

Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Spinach: A Burst of Freshness

The burst cherry tomatoes play a key role in this dish, offering a burst of sweetness and acidity that helps cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese. As they cook in the pan, the tomatoes burst open, releasing their juices and adding a wonderful layer of flavor to the sauce. Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the salty sausage, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the overall flavor profile.

The fresh spinach adds another layer of freshness and color to the dish. As it wilts into the marinara sauce, it softens, blending seamlessly into the dish while providing a slight earthiness that complements the other ingredients. The spinach not only adds nutritional value but also makes the dish feel more vibrant and light despite its hearty nature.

The Garlicky Marinara Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The marinara sauce in this recipe is key to tying everything together. Garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes infuse the sauce with depth and warmth. The garlic provides an aromatic base, while the oregano adds an herbaceous note that’s both familiar and comforting. The red pepper flakes contribute just a hint of heat, which contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and savory sausage.

The marinara sauce itself provides the necessary moisture for the dish, ensuring the pasta remains tender and the cheese melts beautifully. As the pasta and sausage simmer together in the sauce, all the flavors have time to meld, creating a rich, flavorful base that is the foundation of the dish. Adding spinach and a bit of starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce, making it a velvety and luxurious texture that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: The Cheesy Finale

No cheesy pasta dish is complete without a generous layer of cheese, and this Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage & Spinach delivers on that front. Shredded mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and stretch to the dish, melting perfectly into the pasta and creating gooey, cheesy pockets throughout. Fresh mozzarella slices also top the dish, offering a delightful contrast in texture to the shredded cheese and ensuring that every bite has the ideal amount of cheesiness.

The parmesan cheese, grated and stirred into the sauce, adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances out the richness of the mozzarella. As the dish bakes, the cheeses meld together into a golden, bubbly topping that forms a beautiful crust. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan creates the ideal cheesy texture and flavor, turning the dish into a comforting, indulgent meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Baking the Rigatoni: Golden and Bubbling Perfection

Once everything is assembled in the dish, it’s time to bake. The baking process allows the flavors to meld even more, while the cheese becomes golden and bubbly on top. Baking the rigatoni at a high temperature creates a perfectly crispy top, while the pasta underneath remains tender and coated in sauce. The final step of broiling the dish for 1-2 minutes adds that irresistible crispiness to the cheese, creating a golden, slightly browned crust that adds both texture and flavor to the dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage & Spinach is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a special celebration. It’s a dish that can be easily scaled up for larger groups or prepared in advance for busy nights. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great meal to enjoy throughout the week.

With its hearty sausage, cheesy goodness, and vibrant vegetables, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress with its satisfying flavors and comforting texture.

Conclusion: A Family Favorite You’ll Love

In conclusion, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and comforting meal. With its perfectly roasted sausage, fresh spinach, burst tomatoes, and layers of gooey cheese, this pasta dish delivers on every front. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of savory sausage, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce makes this dish a surefire hit at the dinner table, while the baked cheese topping adds the perfect final touch. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will not disappoint. Make it once, and it will surely become a regular part of your dinner rotation.