Description
Baked rigatoni from Cheesecake Factory combines hearty pasta with robust marinara and melted cheese. Creamy textures and rich flavors invite diners to savor this comforting Italian-American classic restaurant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 box (16 oz/454 g) rigatoni or mezzi rigatoni
- 2 jars (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning rack centrally. Thoroughly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pasta Cooking: Boil rigatoni in heavily salted water until slightly underdone, ensuring optimal texture after baking. Drain and reserve.
- Meat Foundation: In a large cast iron skillet, sear crumbled Italian sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Aromatics Integration: Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release fragrant notes without burning.
- Sauce Development: Add marinara, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer sauce to meld flavors, reducing heat and allowing ingredients to harmonize for 5-7 minutes.
- Pasta Infusion: Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coating.
- Layering Technique: Create first pasta layer in prepared baking dish, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese, building a luxurious casserole.
- Baking Finale: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing golden, crispy edges and bubbling surface.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Boil rigatoni just before al dente to avoid mushy texture during baking, ensuring a perfect pasta consistency.
- Layer Strategically: Create two distinct layers with cheese between pasta for even distribution and enhanced flavor melding.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more uniform coverage across the dish.
- Skillet Selection Matters: Use cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and deeper flavor development when preparing sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg