Rigatoni Campagnolo from Carrabba's Italian Grill features tender rigatoni pasta baked with spicy Italian sausage, sauteed mushrooms, red onions, and marinara sauce, all topped with melted Italian cheeses for a savory and hearty Italian comfort dish.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Baking dish (casserole dish)
- Grater (for cheese, if needed)
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms
- 1 large red onion
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing Rigatoni Campagnolo, use spicy Italian sausage for authentic flavor, but adjust the spice level based on your preference. Fresh mushrooms and a large red onion provide a rich, savory base, so ensure they are well-sauteed for optimal taste. Opt for a high-quality marinara sauce to maintain the dish's signature tangy and robust profile. Using a blend of Italian cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, will give your dish the perfect melted, cheesy finish. Your homemade Rigatoni Campagnolo from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu can capture the hearty comfort of the original when these key ingredients are carefully selected and prepared.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove sausage from casing; crumble and cook sausage until browned.
- Add chopped red onion to the skillet; sauté until softened.
- Add sliced mushrooms; sauté until tender and moisture is released.
- Season sausage and vegetables with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in marinara sauce; heat through and combine.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet; toss to coat thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Italian cheese blend evenly on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven using oven mitts.
- Let stand for a few minutes; serve hot.
Substitution
Rigatoni Campagnolo from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu combines rigatoni pasta with spicy Italian sausage, mushrooms, red onions, and marinara sauce, baked with a blend of melted Italian cheeses. If spicy Italian sausage is unavailable, you can substitute it with sweet Italian sausage or ground turkey seasoned with red pepper flakes for similar flavor. Fresh mushrooms can be swapped with canned varieties or other types like cremini or button mushrooms depending on availability. When cooking pasta, ensure you salt the boiling water adequately to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Use oven mitts when handling the baking dish to protect your hands during the baking process.
Tips
Make sure to salt your pasta water generously to enhance the rigatoni's flavor while cooking it to al dente for the best texture. When browning the spicy Italian sausage, break it into small, even crumbles for consistent cooking and flavor distribution. Use a wooden spoon to stir frequently when sauteing onions and mushrooms to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. When transferring the pasta mixture to the baking dish, evenly spread the cheese blend for a perfectly melted and bubbly topping that complements your dish.
Nutritions
Rigatoni Campagnolo from Carrabba's Italian Grill provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, featuring protein-rich spicy Italian sausage and complex carbohydrates from rigatoni pasta. Mushrooms and red onions contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and immune function. The marinara sauce, made primarily of tomatoes, adds lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to heart health. Your meal delivers essential fats from the olive oil and Italian cheese blend, supplying calcium and vitamin D for bone strength.
Storage
Store leftover Rigatoni Campagnolo in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. When reheating, use a microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep your pasta dish moist and tender.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap spicy Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while retaining protein flavor. Instead of mushrooms, roasted bell peppers or zucchini offer a fresh, slightly sweet taste and added texture. For a creamier sauce variation, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta or heavy cream before baking to enrich the marinara base. Using gluten-free rigatoni accommodates dietary restrictions without compromising the dish's hearty essence.
Allergies
Rigatoni Campagnolo contains common allergens such as dairy from the Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan) and gluten from the rigatoni pasta. The spicy Italian sausage may contain preservatives or seasonings that could trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. You should inform your server about any specific allergies to avoid adverse reactions when dining at Carrabba's Italian Grill.
Why this recipe?
The Rigatoni Campagnolo at Carrabba's Italian Grill is beloved for its rich and hearty tomato-basil sauce, perfectly coating the al dente rigatoni pasta. This dish combines Italian sausage, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers, creating a robust and flavorful experience that highlights authentic Italian ingredients. Your taste buds will appreciate the balance of spicy and savory notes that make this meal a standout choice. Trying to recreate the Rigatoni Campagnolo at home allows you to customize flavors while enjoying a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.