Baked Rigatoni for a Crowd Recipe

If you have a large group of people to feed, finding a recipe that can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd can be a lifesaver. Baked rigatoni is the perfect dish for feeding a large number of guests. It's hearty, flavorful, and can easily be made in large quantities. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration, this baked rigatoni recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.

The beauty of baked rigatoni is that it's a versatile dish that can be customized...

The beauty of baked rigatoni is that it's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can add in a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to make it more nutritious. If you're a meat lover, you can add ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the recipe. And for a vegetarian option, you can use a mix of different cheeses to give it a rich and creamy texture.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy hosts. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. This not only saves you time and effort on the day of your event, but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.

Another great thing about baked rigatoni is that it's a comforting and satisfying dish that can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese are all affordable ingredients that can be purchased in bulk, making this recipe a cost-effective option for feeding a large group. And because it's a one-pan meal, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a plus when you're entertaining a lot of people.

So if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that's easy to make, versatile, and budget-friendly, give this baked rigatoni a try. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to leave everyone feeling happy and full. Whether you're cooking for a big family gathering or a potluck with friends, this baked rigatoni is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And if you happen to have any leftovers, it tastes just as good the next day as it does fresh out of the oven.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 pounds mild Italian sausage links, casings removed
2 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style crushed tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 ½ (16 ounce) packages rigatoni pasta
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
aluminum foil

Information

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 9x13-inch casserole

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add sausage; stir to break up lumps and cook until lightly browned and crumbly, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

Add undrained tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, and parsley to the pan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered, for 25 minutes.

While the sauce is cooking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse under cool water, and drain again. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Uncover the sauce and increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Add 2/3 of the sauce to the pasta; toss to combine. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour remaining sauce over top, and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes longer.

Nutrition

580 cal.

Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 63mg
Sodium: 1326mg
Total Carbohydrate: 54g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 437mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 332mg

How to Make Baked Rigatoni for a Crowd - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

580 cal.

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