Italian Sausage Rigatoni Bake Recipe with Spinach and Cheese

Cheesy Italian sausage and spinach rigatoni bake represents the ultimate comfort food for busy families craving hearty, satisfying meals.

Robust flavors mingle together in this crowd-pleasing pasta dish that changes simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate each baked layer, creating complex depths beyond typical weeknight dinners.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, melted cheese blanketing tender noodles and savory sausage.

Nutritious spinach adds a subtle green brightness that balances the dish’s indulgent qualities.

Weeknight dinner magic happens when comfort meets convenience in this one-pan wonder.

How to Bake Cheesy Sausage Spinach Rigatoni

Step 1: Prep the Sausage

Crank up your oven to 450°F. Spread sausage links on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage. Roast for 12 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then slice into 1/4-inch pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in rigatoni and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions suggest for perfect al dente texture.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Pinch of salt

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into the pot. Add spinach and pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta and fold into the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer ingredients:

• Half the pasta mixture
• Half the shredded mozzarella

Repeat layers

Top with fresh mozzarella slices and remaining shredded mozzarella.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 minutes until cheese melts. Switch to broil and cook 1-2 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering pasta creation!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Rigatoni Pasta

• Choose Quality Sausage: Select fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor and texture in your dish.
• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Undercook rigatoni by 2 minutes to prevent mushy texture during the final baking process.
• Burst Tomatoes Strategically: Cook cherry tomatoes until they naturally burst, releasing their sweet, intense flavors into the sauce.
• Control Cheese Melting: Layer cheese carefully to ensure even melting and a golden, crispy top layer during broiling.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water to help create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the rigatoni.

Reheat and Store Sausage Rigatoni Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy cheese top.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish.

What Sides to Pair with Cheesy Rigatoni Bake

• Enhance with Italian Wine Pairing: Select a robust red like Chianti Classico or Sangiovese to complement the rich, spicy sausage and melted cheeses, cutting through the dish's richness with its bright acidity.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the hearty pasta bake's intense flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Add Crusty Bread for Dipping: Serve warm, garlic-rubbed focaccia or crusty ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural element and extra flavor to the meal.
• Finish with Smooth Dessert: Offer a light, creamy tiramisu or panna cotta to conclude the dining experience, providing a sweet, smooth counterpoint to the savory, cheesy rigatoni bake.

Pasta Bake Variations for Sausage and Spinach Rigatoni

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, swap marinara for roasted red pepper sauce, and add crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Substitute sausage with roasted mushrooms and zucchini, use vegetable broth instead of meat, and incorporate additional green vegetables like kale or Swiss chard for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Trade sausage for succulent shrimp or lump crab meat, infuse sauce with white wine and fresh herbs like basil, and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs before baking for a luxurious coastal-style pasta dish.
• Creamy Bacon Comfort: Replace sausage with crispy bacon pieces, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce, and mix in caramelized onions for a rich, comforting version that brings extra depth and warmth to the original recipe.

Why Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Rigatoni Bake Hits the Spot

• Burst with Flavor: Roasted Italian sausage and burst cherry tomatoes create a rich, intense taste profile that dances across your palate with every single bite.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Layered with three different cheeses (Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and fresh mozzarella), this dish delivers a creamy, gooey texture that melts perfectly and satisfies hardcore cheese enthusiasts.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: The entire recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy families who want a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques or endless preparation time.
• One-Pan Comfort Meal: Using a single cast iron skillet or baking dish means minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a beautiful presentation that goes straight from stovetop to oven to table, capturing that irresistible Italian home-cooking spirit.

What You’ll Need for Rigatoni Bake with Spinach

Main Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage Links: A rich, flavorful protein that adds depth and authentic Italian taste to the dish. Look for high-quality sausage with good seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce. Choose freshly grated for best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a creamy, stretchy topping that melts beautifully and adds a classic cheesy texture.

• Rigatoni: A hearty pasta with ridges that perfectly captures and holds the sauce. Select a good quality bronze-cut pasta for best texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and burst of freshness to the sauce. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• Spinach: Introduces a nutritious green element that wilts perfectly into the sauce. Fresh spinach works best for this recipe.

• Olive Oil: Essential for cooking and adding rich flavor to the dish. Use extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Garlic: Provides a classic aromatic base that elevates the entire dish. Fresh garlic cloves are recommended.
• Oregano: Adds a traditional Italian herb flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright finish to the dish. Fresh parsley is preferred.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: Serves as the primary liquid base for the dish. Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.

Cheesy Italian Sausage And Spinach Rigatoni Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty rigatoni pasta nestles with spicy Italian sausage and tender spinach in this comforting Mediterranean-inspired casserole. Melted cheese blankets each noodle, promising rich flavors that draw you into a satisfying dinner experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) mild Italian sausage links
• ½ lb (227 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ lb (227 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 lb (454 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ lb (113 g) fresh spinach
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) rigatoni
• 1 (24 ounces / 680 g) jar marinara sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) + a drizzle olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 450°F (232°C), preparing a sheet pan for roasting Italian sausage links generously coated with olive oil.
2. Roast sausage links for approximately 12 minutes until thoroughly cooked, then allow to cool slightly before slicing into quarter-inch (0.64 centimeters) medallions.
3. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then introduce rigatoni pasta, cooking 2 minutes less than package recommendations for optimal al dente texture.
4. Meanwhile, warm quarter cup (60 milliliters) olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, sautéing sausage slices until golden brown for 2-3 minutes.
5. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes with a delicate salt sprinkle, cooking until tomatoes burst and release their vibrant juices.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes into the simmering mixture, creating a robust flavor foundation.
7. Pour marinara sauce into the pot, adding fresh spinach leaves and half cup (120 milliliters) starchy pasta water, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer gently.
8. Fold grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
9. Drain rigatoni and fold into the sauce, gently mixing with chopped parsley for even distribution.
10. Prepare a 12-inch (30.48 centimeters) cast iron skillet or 9×13-inch (22.86×33.02 centimeters) baking dish with olive oil coating.
11. Create initial layer with half the pasta mixture, followed by an even spread of shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, topping with fresh mozzarella slices and additional shredded mozzarella for maximum cheesy coverage.
13. Bake for 8 minutes until cheese melts completely, then broil 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown, crispy cheese crust.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this hearty and cheesy Italian sausage pasta bake that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen.
• Roasting sausage links before slicing intensifies their flavor and ensures a perfectly crisp exterior for maximum taste impact.
• Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that helps bind ingredients together and adds depth to the overall dish.
• Slightly undercooking pasta during the initial boil allows it to finish cooking in the sauce, preventing mushy texture and ensuring perfect al dente consistency.
• Using a combination of shredded and fresh mozzarella creates a dramatic, golden-brown cheese topping with varying textures and melting properties.
• This one-pan meal can be prepared ahead of time and is perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or impressing unexpected dinner guests with minimal cleanup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg