Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food at its most decadent, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese will make you swoon! This dish is a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece blending tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luxuriously creamy sauce thanks to the magic of Boursin cheese. Every bite is packed with bold flavors, a touch of heat, and that irresistible richness only a baked pasta can deliver. It’s the sort of meal you want to share with friends and family—or keep all to yourself, if you’re feeling indulgent!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each plays a role in boosting flavor, adding creaminess, or providing the perfect baked texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip or two for each:
- Rigatoni pasta: Its classic tube shape captures the sauce beautifully and holds up well to baking.
- Olive oil: A splash in the skillet adds richness and helps brown the sausage for maximum flavor.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): This brings savory, meaty depth; choose spicy or sweet based on your tastes.
- Onion (diced): Sautéed onion adds sweetness and subtle complexity to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with that classic Italian aroma and zest.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce, lending a vibrant tang and beautiful color.
- Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese: This creamy, herby cheese is the secret weapon for an ultra-lush sauce.
- Heavy cream: A touch of cream creates dreamy silkiness in every bite.
- Dried oregano: Brings that signature Italian herb flavor to the party.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pinch for gentle heat, or skip for a milder version.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; season to your preference.
- Black pepper: A hint of pepper balances out the creamy richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form that gooey, golden topper we all crave in a pasta bake.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle adds saltiness and that irresistible crust.
- Fresh basil (optional): Use as a garnish for a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente—it should still have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure it doesn’t overcook: this is key to getting perfect texture!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, you’ll immediately notice the mouthwatering aroma—this step lays down the meaty, savory base for your entire Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, letting it become soft and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds—enough to release that classic Italian fragrance without burning it. This duo ups the flavor ante in your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the Boursin cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce turns creamy and luxurious. Next, add the heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. The mixture should start to smell absolutely irresistible and will coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked rigatoni straight into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together so each piece of pasta is drenched in that savory, herby cream sauce. Pour (or scoop) the rigatoni mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese on top is a gorgeous, golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow everything to settle before serving your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese.
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or even a handful of chopped parsley if you like. The bright green herbs add color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce. A light drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper also makes a lovely final touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables adds a refreshing note. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always welcome for soaking up that luscious sauce and rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese shines whether served family-style straight from the baking dish or plated individually for a more elegant presentation. Try spooning portions into small ramekins for a dinner party, or top with extra cheese and herbs for an inviting, rustic look. You can even serve leftovers as a pasta “pie”—just slice and reheat for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day. Just be sure to let the leftovers cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
Freezing
This is a fabulously freezer-friendly meal! Simply assemble the rigatoni and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe baking dish, top with cheese, then wrap tightly and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as instructed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers—just divide into portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion of Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For a quick fix, a microwave works too; just cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot. Add a splash of cream if needed to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect because it holds sauce well, ziti, penne, or even shells are tasty alternatives. Just make sure you cook them al dente, so they remain sturdy during baking.
What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, substitute with another soft herbed cheese such as garlic and herb goat cheese, or blend cream cheese with dried herbs and a little fresh garlic for a similar creamy effect.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently. The red pepper flakes add a gentle background warmth but are totally optional. Omit them for a milder version, or double up if you like a spicy kick!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Use your favorite plant-based sausage or swap in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, meat-free alternative. Everything else in the recipe will remain deliciously the same.
Can I assemble the dish ahead of time?
Yes! Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese can be assembled up to one day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to some epic comfort food, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is pure pasta bliss. Don’t be surprised if everyone heads back for seconds! Grab your ingredients, invite someone over, and dive into a dish that’ll win instant raves.
Print
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese, a comforting Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Rigatoni Pasta:
1 pound rigatoni pasta
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Italian Sausage:
1 pound (casings removed)
Onion:
1 small (diced)
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Crushed Tomatoes:
1 can (28 ounces)
Boursin Cheese:
1 package (5.2 ounces)
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Dried Oregano:
1/2 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Mozzarella Cheese:
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup (grated)
Fresh Basil:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sausage Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook sausage until browned, add onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and Boursin cheese. Stir in heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage.
- For extra flavor, add fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
