Baked Pasta Supreme
Baked Pasta Supreme is a hearty, cheesy casserole combining tender rigatoni, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich ricotta mixture, all topped with Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it offers a comforting blend of savory, cheesy, and tomato flavors in a satisfying baked dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni until al dente; keep warm.
- In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up until no pink remains.
- Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, white pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Generously grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Spoon one-third of the tomato sauce over the bottom of the pan.
- Layer half of the cooked rigatoni on top of the sauce.
- Spread all of the cooked sausage over the rigatoni.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the sausage.
- Add the remaining cooked rigatoni in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until browned and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sausage while cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the Italian sausage. You can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture. If you find yourself with leftover pasta, try making a Pasta Salad(Italian Style) with it for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Pasta Supreme pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a flavorful side, consider serving it with Italian Envelopes, which add a nice crunchy texture. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving can enhance the dish's presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pasta Supreme contains roughly 414 calories, with 17g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Baked Pasta Supreme in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze leftovers of Baked Pasta Supreme?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of rigatoni?
If rigatoni isn't available, you can substitute with penne or ziti, as they hold sauce well and provide a similar texture. Just ensure to cook them al dente before layering in the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).