Italian Gut Busters

Satisfy your deepest pasta cravings with these indulgent Italian Gut Busters, a hearty baked rigatoni dish that brings comfort food to the next level. Layers of tender rigatoni are smothered in a rich and savory marinara-sausage sauce, combined with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, and topped with a bubbly golden crust of melted cheese. This recipe is packed with authentic Italian flavors, from fragrant garlic and oregano to fresh chopped basil, ensuring every bite is a savory delight. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this cheesy pasta bake is easy to make, with just 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes in the oven. Whether you're serving a crowd or looking for a perfect make-ahead meal, Italian Gut Busters promises to leave everyone at the table satisfied.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 24 ounces Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Stir until well mixed.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

To assemble, spread a thin layer of the marinara-sausage sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked rigatoni in an even layer. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, spreading it gently. Add another layer of marinara-sausage sauce.

Step 8

Repeat the layers with the remaining rigatoni, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Finish by sprinkling the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2351.7 grams (2351.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3947

Total Fat 247.80g	318%
Saturated Fat 104.40g	522%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 727mg	242%
Sodium 9987mg	434%
Total Carbohydrate 205.70g	75%
Dietary Fiber 17.50g	63%
Total Sugars 27.80g
Protein 217.40g	435%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3799mg	292%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 2014mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 21.0%