Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

Comfort Food That Feels Fancy (But Isn’t)

Ready for a cozy, cheesy, and downright irresistible pasta bake? Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is here to steal the show. Picture tender rigatoni noodles swimming in a creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce, perfectly paired with savory, spicy sausage bits baked to bubbly, golden perfection. The aroma alone will have you drooling before you even dig in!

This dish is a warm hug on a plate — perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself. It’s rich, flavorful, and so comforting that every bite feels like a celebration. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer and super easy to whip up.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this pasta bake has you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works great as a hearty dinner or leftover lunch. You can swap sausages or cheeses to suit your taste.

Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients but delivers big flavor.

Quick and Easy: Simple steps that come together fast, even on busy nights.

Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a cheesy, meaty pasta bake. It’s a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients in Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

Let’s break down the delicious layers of this dish:

Rigatoni Pasta

The perfect pasta shape for holding onto that creamy sauce and sausage goodness.

Italian Sausage

Spicy or mild, crumbled and cooked to add a savory, meaty punch.

Boursin Cheese

Soft, creamy, and loaded with garlic and herbs, it melts into the sauce for amazing flavor.

Marinara Sauce

Rich tomato sauce that balances the creaminess with a tangy note.

Mozzarella Cheese

For that irresistible gooey, melty top layer.

Parmesan Cheese

Adds a sharp, salty finish sprinkled on top.

Olive Oil and Garlic

Build the flavor base for the sauce and sausage.

Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper

Round out the flavors perfectly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking that bubbly goodness.

Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Sausage

In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the crumbled sausage until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and Italian seasoning toward the end.

Make the Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce and Boursin cheese with the sausage, letting the cheese melt into a creamy sauce.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing everything until the pasta is fully coated in the luscious sauce.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving. Grab a fork and dig into cheesy, saucy heaven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Roasted Veggies: Add a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost.

Wine Pairing: A glass of medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel complements the flavors perfectly.

Family Style: Serve straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal feel.

Additional Tips

Swap It Up: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sauce for extra color and nutrition.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and pasta mixture ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven for best results.

Double the Batch: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
A1: Yes! Cream cheese with herbs or goat cheese can work as substitutes.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely. Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.

Q3: How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
A3: Make sure your sauce is nice and saucy, and cover the baking dish with foil if needed while baking.

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

Q5: Is this recipe spicy?
A5: It depends on the sausage. Use mild sausage if you prefer less heat, or spicy sausage for a kick.

Q6: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A6: Rigatoni works best, but penne or ziti are great alternatives.

Q7: How long does it take to make?
A7: About 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weeknight.

Q8: Can I add fresh herbs?
A8: Yes! Fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a lovely fresh touch.

Q9: What’s the best baking dish to use?
A9: A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic dish works perfectly.

Q10: Can I make this dairy-free?
A10: For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is your new comfort food obsession. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough to make any night of the week. This dish combines the best of rich Italian flavors with the convenience of a one-pan bake. So go ahead, get that oven going and treat yourself to a plateful of pure deliciousness!

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