Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
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If you’re craving a comforting, rich pasta bake that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures, the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish beautifully combines al dente rigatoni with a savory Italian sausage sauce enhanced by the silky, herby notes of Boursin cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this bake unforgettable. From the hearty rigatoni to the creamy Boursin and the fragrant fresh basil, each element brings something delicious to the table.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: The perfect tubular shape to hold onto the creamy sausage sauce in every bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds a savory, spiced depth that’s the backbone of this dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a tender bite that mellows as it cooks.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds a rich, slightly tangy tomato base that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1 (4 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): This creamy, flavorful cheese gives the sauce its luscious, herby character.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, inviting cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings brightness and freshness to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the full flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness 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 until it’s al dente, just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well and set it aside; this pasta will soak up all the delicious sauce flavors later without getting mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and sausage
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook it until browned and fully cooked through. This step builds a rich base of flavor by caramelizing the meat and onions together.
Step 3: Add garlic and simmer the sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for 10 minutes so all those flavors meld together and thicken slightly. This is where the sauce gains its hearty, comforting character.
Step 4: Melt in the Boursin cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese right away. It will melt into the tomato sauce, creating a luxuriously creamy texture studded with garlic and herbs. This is the signature twist in this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe that makes it stand out.
Step 5: Combine pasta, sauce, and basil
In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and Boursin sauce and the chopped fresh basil. This ensures every rigatoni tube is generously coated and flecked with beautiful green freshness that lifts the dish.
Step 6: Assemble and bake
Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, slightly browned, and irresistible. Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in.
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top add a pretty finishing touch and enhance the fresh herbal notes in the dish. A few red pepper flakes can also bring a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This baked pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple arugula side dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a cozy dinner presentation. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze after baking adds delightful complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this ahead for busy nights, freeze the baked rigatoni in a suitable container before baking or immediately after. It keeps well for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add extra baking time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave if short on time. Adding a splash of water or sauce before reheating helps keep it moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and packed with flavor, you can try spicy chorizo, sweet sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Each variation will bring its own twist to the dish.
Is Boursin cheese necessary for this recipe?
Boursin cheese is key for that creamy, herby texture and flavor that sets this dish apart, but if you can’t find it, cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs is a decent substitute in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients remain the same and will still deliver on taste and satisfaction.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe has a mild to moderate flavor since the sausage usually carries some gentle spice. You can adjust the heat by selecting sweet or hot Italian sausage or adding chili flakes to your preference.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the pasta?
Reheating in the oven wrapped loosely with foil or adding a splash of water or broth before microwaving helps retain moisture and keeps the pasta creamy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a warm, cheesy baked pasta that brings everyone to the table, and this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe is a perfect example. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or special occasion dish. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it in your recipe collection!
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Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring al dente rigatoni baked with a savory sausage and creamy Boursin garlic & herb cheese sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 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)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the aroma but it does not brown.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend all the flavors together.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts completely into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked rigatoni and fresh chopped basil into the sausage and cheese sauce until well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked rigatoni to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the dish cool slightly.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with seasoned mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Fresh basil adds brightness but can be replaced with dried basil; use about one-third the amount if dried.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat in the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
