Description
Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender rigatoni pasta baked with a savory Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce mixture, layered with a creamy blend of sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, then topped with parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures in an easy baked pasta recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni noodles
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Topping
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Cook Rigatoni Noodles: Boil rigatoni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine Sausage with Sauce and Pasta: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and the drained rigatoni noodles to the skillet with the sausage. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Pour this pasta mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese Mixture and Top: Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta and sausage layer in the baking pan. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Adding fresh basil or oregano can enhance flavor complexity.
