Rigatoni Al Forno(Noodles With Mushrooms, Sausage And Mozzarella)
Rigatoni al forno is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring mushrooms, sausage, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings with rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 7 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork or Italian sausages ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely minced garlic ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. fennel seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. crushed dried basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. crushed sage ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1 dried red pepper, chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 6 c. canned peeled Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. pasta, rigatoni or ziti ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a heavy large casserole and add the chopped onion.
- Cook, stirring, until the onion is wilted.
- Prepare the mushrooms: leave tiny mushrooms whole, or quarter or slice larger ones as appropriate.
- In the same casserole, add the ground pork or Italian sausages and cook until browned.
- Add finely minced garlic, fennel seed, chopped basil, crushed sage, crushed oregano, and chopped red pepper if using; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in canned peeled Italian plum tomatoes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add water and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in chopped parsley and olive oil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Layer with cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake and cremini. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for the pork or sausage. You can also use whole wheat rigatoni for a healthier twist. To enhance the dish, add a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. Always taste and adjust seasonings before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Rigatoni Al Forno pairs beautifully with a mixed green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of Italian-inspired antipasto for a delightful spread. For added flavor, consider garnishing with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni Al Forno(Noodles With Mushrooms, Sausage And Mozzarella) contains roughly 2798 calories, with 69g protein, 275g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (247% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Rigatoni Al Forno ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use provolone or gouda cheese for a different flavor profile. For a lower-fat option, consider using part-skim mozzarella. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will melt and stretch differently, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Can I freeze Rigatoni Al Forno?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if necessary to heat through.
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).