A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring savory sausage and a trio of cheeses.
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven.
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and slice into thin pieces.
Use a sharp knife to slice the sausage evenly.
Return the sausage to the skillet and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl. Mix well.
Ensure the ricotta is evenly distributed for a creamy texture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Add a layer of the pasta mixture, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Press each layer gently to ensure even baking.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Serve the baked pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.