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Casseruola di Salsiccia e Formaggio (Sausage and Cheese Casserole)

Italian1 Hour
Punchline

This hearty Casseruola di Salsiccia e Formaggio is comfort food at its finest, bringing warm flavors to your table in no time!

ingredients
Italian sausage1pound
rigatoni pasta12ounces
ricotta cheese15ounces
mozzarella cheese2cups
Parmesan cheese1cup
marinara sauce2cups
garlic3cloves
parsley1cup
black pepper1teaspoon
instructions
    1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

    2

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of Italian sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Make sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks to ensure even browning.

    3

    Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

    4

    Meanwhile, cook 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    5

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, garlic, rigatoni pasta, 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.

    6

    Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

    7

    Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

    8

    After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

    9

    Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before garnishing with 1 cup of chopped parsley and serving.

Servings

6

How to be creative
  • Add a layer of spinach or kale for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of sausages, such as spicy sausage or chicken sausage, for a unique twist.
  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor profile.
Important Tips
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook while baking.
  • Feel free to mix in additional spices, like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper, for added flavor.
  • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.
nutritions
  • fat: 20g
  • fiber: 3g
  • protein: 25g
  • calories: 450
  • carbohydrates: 42g
Health impact

This casserole is rich in protein from the sausage and cheese, providing satiety and energy. However, it is also high in fat and calories, so enjoy in moderation.