If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s outrageously creamy, bubbling with cheese, and studded with savory sausage, Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is about to become your new obsession. This is comfort food at its coziest, with a luscious tomato cream sauce soaking into every nook of the rigatoni, melty pools of Boursin cheese adding a pop of herby flavor, and a golden crown of mozzarella and Parmesan to finish things off in true Italian-American style. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making sure you have the ultimate leftovers, this dish is guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese is likely already in your kitchen, but each ingredient is essential to create layers of flavor, luscious texture, and that golden baked finish. Take a look at how each element works its magic:
- Rigatoni Pasta: The sturdy tubes trap the creamy sauce, making every bite extra flavorful and satisfying.
- Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy—either will offer hearty flavor and a bit of juicy richness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Onion: Brings brightness and savory depth to the sauce as it cooks down with the sausage.
- Garlic: Those aromatic cloves infuse the sauce with bold, classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds substance and tang, forming the base for the creamy, tomato-rich sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Gives the bake extra sauciness so it never dries out, even once baked.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that delivers classic, all-in-one flavor without fuss.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch for a gentle heat that tucks itself into every bite (adjust to your liking!).
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together in perfect balance.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: The star ingredient—a creamy, tangy cheese that melts like a dream and infuses the whole dish with herby sophistication.
- Heavy Cream: Rounds everything out with a luxurious touch of richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and irresistible savory notes for the best topping.
- Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley: Just a scatter gives everything a burst of color and fresh aroma to finish.
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by preparing your rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water. For the best texture, cook the noodles just to al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all that glorious sauce without getting mushy. Drain the rigatoni and set it aside while you work magic on the savory sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. This is where the deep, meaty flavor begins to emerge, setting the stage for the rest of your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with your browned sausage. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This builds the savory base your sauce needs to really shine.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling fiesty, some red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, just until all the flavors meld and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 5: Stir in Boursin and Cream
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the luscious Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese and the heavy cream. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, luxurious sauce with flecks of herbs throughout. This is where the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese earns its irresistible creaminess!
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rigatoni directly to the skillet, tossing until every tube is coated in silky-smooth, flavorful sauce. Make sure there’s plenty of sauce clinging to each noodle—it should look irresistible even before it goes in the oven.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the top—it might seem like a lot, but that’s the whole point! Bake your Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and hugely tempting.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Once the bake emerges from the oven, shower it with your choice of chopped fresh basil or parsley. The heat will release the herbs’ fragrance, and that little burst of freshness makes every bite sing.
How to Serve Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a simple garnish—fresh basil or parsley adds an inviting pop of color and brings brightness to the hearty Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese. You can also sprinkle over a pinch of extra Parmesan if you like things especially cheesy, or a twist of black pepper for a rustic, bistro-inspired finish.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or bring a little Italian steakhouse energy with garlicky sautéed broccolini. A warm loaf of crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory—ready to scoop up any extra sauce left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or potlucks, consider portioning the Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese into individual ramekins—it makes for adorable, personal servings. Or, for a family-style feast, place the bubbling casserole smack in the center of the table and invite everyone to dig in together. Leftovers also shine as next-day lunch packed into thermoses for work or school.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a standout option for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, assemble it up to the point of baking but don’t add the cheese topping just yet. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake as directed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until piping hot throughout (about 20 minutes). For individual portions, the microwave works in a pinch—but a splash of milk or cream stirred in before reheating will keep the pasta creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for catching all that lovely sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli will also work wonderfully in this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese recipe. Just be sure to use a shape with enough surface area to cradle the creamy sauce.
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
No worries—herbed goat cheese or even plain cream cheese can stand in if you can’t track down Boursin. They’ll give you the same creamy body, though you can add extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for the signature flavor.
Can I make Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then refrigerate (covered) for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed for stress-free entertaining or a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a medley of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian take that’s just as rich and satisfying. You won’t miss the meat—promise!
How spicy is the finished dish?
The heat level is easily tailored to your crowd—omit red pepper flakes for a mild Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese, or add a bigger pinch if you want a bit more kick per bite. Italian sausage can also vary, so you can mix and match to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about creamy, bubbling baked pasta when it emerges golden and aromatic from the oven. Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease of preparation—whether for a casual weeknight or a festive occasion. Give it a go, and chances are it’ll become a cherished favorite at your table too!
Print
Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese. A hearty Italian-American dish featuring pasta, sausage, a savory tomato-based sauce, and creamy Boursin cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Rigatoni Pasta:
12 oz
Italian Sausage (casings removed):
1 lb
Small Onion (diced):
1
Garlic Cloves (minced):
3
Crushed Tomatoes (15 oz):
1 can
Tomato Sauce:
1/2 cup
Italian Seasoning:
1 tsp
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/4 tsp
Salt:
1/4 tsp
Black Pepper:
1/4 tsp
Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese:
5.2 oz
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup
Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish):
as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then add Boursin cheese and cream.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked rigatoni with sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute Boursin with herbed goat cheese or cream cheese if needed.
- Enhance with sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
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