Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This hearty, creamy rigatoni dish is packed with flavors from rich meats, a zesty marinara, and a touch of spicy Calabrian chili paste. Perfect for a family meal or any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 pound 93% lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (or to taste)
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., RoTel Original)
• 22 ounces marinara sauce (e.g., Raos Homemade)
• 1 ounce creme fraiche
• 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces pearl mozzarella, broken into pieces
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion and saut for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.

Step 4: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, until they soften.

Step 5: Add the ground beef and hot Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic, Calabrian chili paste, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Saut for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add the marinara sauce, followed by the crme fraiche, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine into a creamy sauce.

Step 8: Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni pasta, ensuring it's evenly coated in the sauce. Then, fold in half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Scatter the remaining mozzarella on top of the pasta mixture in the skillet.

Step 10: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 11: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, creamy rigatoni!

Cook's Note

Calabrian chili paste is quite spicy, so use it sparingly unless you're a fan of heat.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	630
Total Fat	39g (50% DV)
Saturated Fat	19g (97% DV)
Cholesterol	123mg (41% DV)
Sodium	1190mg (52% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	39g (14% DV)
Dietary Fiber	4g (13% DV)
Total Sugars	11g
Protein	31g (62% DV)
Vitamin C	8mg (9% DV)
Calcium	279mg (21% DV)
Iron	4mg (21% DV)
Potassium	882mg (19% DV)

Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of Italian sausage, ground beef, and pasta, smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. This delicious casserole is ideal for those who crave comfort food with a little bit of heat. But beyond its mouthwatering taste, there is a story behind this dish that ties it to Italian culinary traditions and the broader world of pasta bakes.

Origin of the Dish

The concept of a baked pasta dish comes from Italy, where pasta has been a staple of the cuisine for centuries. Pasta bakes (or "pasta al forno") have roots in Southern Italy, especially in regions like Sicily and Naples. These dishes typically involve layering cooked pasta with meat, vegetables, cheeses, and rich tomato-based sauces, before baking them to perfection. The Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake, though not a traditional Italian dish, blends these classic elements with a modern twist. It features spicy Calabrian chili paste, which gives it a distinctive kick, making it stand out from the milder Italian versions. This incorporation of spicy sausage elevates the dish, appealing to those who enjoy bold, fiery flavors.

Regional Characteristics

While this dish doesn't come from one specific region, it takes inspiration from Southern Italian cuisine, particularly from Calabria. Calabrian chiles, known for their heat and deep flavor, are often used in Southern Italian cooking to add spice to otherwise mild dishes. The use of Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese are also hallmarks of Southern Italian cooking. The Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake is an American adaptation of the classic pasta bake, which includes a fusion of various ingredients and the inclusion of heavy cream, a technique not often found in traditional Italian pasta al forno recipes.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

What sets the Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake apart from other pasta bakes is its emphasis on heat and richness. While many traditional pasta bakes like lasagna or baked ziti focus on layering pasta and sauce, the Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake adds a spicy and creamy dimension. The inclusion of Calabrian chili paste and hot Italian sausage gives it a bold, fiery flavor that most typical pasta bakes lack. In comparison to milder pasta casseroles, this dish packs an extra punch, making it a favorite for those who enjoy spicier foods.

Where It's Usually Served

The Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake is a popular choice for casual dinners, family gatherings, and even potlucks. Its hearty nature and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a large group. This dish is commonly served in American homes but is also found in Italian-American restaurants. It's often paired with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance out the richness of the pasta bake. It's also a great choice for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and reheated without losing its flavor or texture.

Interesting Facts

• The Calabrian chile paste used in this dish is derived from the Calabrian chili pepper, which is native to the Calabria region in Southern Italy. These peppers are known for their fiery heat and smoky flavor, making them a popular choice for adding spice to sauces, pastas, and even pizza.
• Pasta bakes in Italy are often prepared with leftover ingredients, making them a convenient and resourceful dish. Its not uncommon to find variations of pasta bakes with different meats, cheeses, and sauces depending on what ingredients are on hand.
• In many regions of Italy, pasta al forno is traditionally served as a celebratory dish, often seen at holidays, feasts, and family gatherings. The dish's versatility means it can be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences, from mild to spicy.
• Though the Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake has become a staple in American households, it is an example of how Italian-American cuisine has evolved. This fusion cuisine takes the essence of Italian cooking and adapts it to local tastes and available ingredients, creating a whole new genre of comfort food.

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