If you are craving a hearty, cozy meal that bursts with flavor, the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together perfectly al dente rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and the rich, creamy tang of Boursin cheese creating a luscious sauce that is both comforting and indulgent. Every bite is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, from the tender pasta to the golden, bubbly cheese topping. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a simple yet powerful selection of ingredients that work together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful meal. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the robust Italian sausage adding savory depth, to the aromatic fresh basil bringing a fresh pop of color and taste. Getting these basics right ensures your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe will be nothing short of spectacular.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Choose rigatoni for its tube shape that traps the sauce perfectly inside for every bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Provides bold, meaty flavor and a slightly spicy kick.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic gives a wonderful aromatic foundation and enhances overall taste.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Offers a fresh and vibrant base for the sauce with natural acidity.
- 1 (4 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): Creates a creamy, herby richness that sets this recipe apart.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving you that irresistible golden crust.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to complement the mozzarella.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil brightens the dish while adding a lovely green accent.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A good quality olive oil imparts a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the rigatoni just until al dente, according to package directions. This ensures the pasta will hold up in the oven without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside while you make the sauce. This step is key because perfectly cooked rigatoni acts as the delicious canvas for all the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook it gently until it becomes translucent, softening and releasing subtle sweetness that forms the base of the sauce. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This process caramelizes the meat, creating rich nuggets of flavor that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant—you want that beautiful garlic aroma but no bitterness. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This simmering step is where the magic builds.
Step 4: Incorporate the Boursin Cheese
Remove your skillet from heat and gently stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts into the sauce, turning it luxuriously creamy. This addition is the heart of the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe, giving the sauce its distinctive herbaceous and garlicky character paired with a smooth texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Basil
Mix the cooked rigatoni thoroughly with the sausage and Boursin cheese sauce. Add the freshly chopped basil and stir again to distribute the bright, fragrant herb throughout the dish. This final mix ensures each bite has a balanced blend of flavors and a pretty speckling of green that adds freshness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for around 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that the dish is ready and perfect for pulling from the oven.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This short wait allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to settle for a perfect serving experience. Then dive in with your favorite utensils and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, consider topping the dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or a few red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds a glossy finish and enhances aroma, making every bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh green salads tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaves are also fantastic to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add delightful texture and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for charming single-portion presentations. You could even sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crisp crunch. These little touches make the meal feel extra special and restaurant-quality at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This baked pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve texture and freshness. When ready to eat, reheating is quick and easy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings but watch carefully to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating can help keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s tubular shape is ideal for holding the sauce, penne or ziti are great substitutes that will work just as well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sausage and tomato sauce can be made a day before and refrigerated. Just mix in the Boursin cheese and assemble with pasta right before baking.
What’s the best way to melt Boursin cheese into the sauce?
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Boursin slowly so it melts gently without separating, creating a smooth, creamy texture perfect for coating the rigatoni.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Boursin?
While you can substitute with cream cheese, you will miss the signature herb and garlic flavor unique to Boursin. Adding extra garlic and herbs can help mimic the taste, but Boursin delivers the best result.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe enough for anyone seeking a deeply comforting and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. It’s a beautiful way to elevate classic baked pasta with the luxurious creamy touch of Boursin cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Print
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a savory sausage and tomato sauce enriched with creamy garlic-herb Boursin cheese. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this hearty dish bakes to golden perfection, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink inside.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage sauce and chopped fresh basil, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a golden brown color.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked rigatoni rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if unavailable.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor; dried basil can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
- Drain the rigatoni well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
