Cheesy baked rigatoni pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce, layered with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A deliciously cheesy and comforting pasta bake
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead
- Customizable with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses
- A great way to use pantry staples for a quick meal
- Bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Cheese Layers:
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg (to help bind the ricotta mixture)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic. Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, an egg, half of the Parmesan, and some chopped basil or parsley.
- Assemble the Dish: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked rigatoni, spread half of the ricotta mixture, add some sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat.
- Meat Lovers’ Version: Add diced pepperoni, cooked bacon, or extra sausage.
- Extra Creamy: Mix heavy cream or mascarpone into the sauce for a richer texture.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, ziti, or fusilli work well in this recipe.
How do I keep my baked pasta from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking and use enough sauce to keep it moist.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, a good-quality store-bought sauce can save time.
What cheese melts best for baked pasta?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting, while Parmesan adds a flavorful crust.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I make this dish lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat ricotta, and lean ground turkey.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach are great additions.
What sides go well with baked rigatoni?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the dish.
Can I make this without an egg?
Yes, the egg helps bind the ricotta mixture but can be omitted.
How do I get a crispy cheese topping?
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.
Conclusion
Cheesy baked rigatoni pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether served for a family dinner or meal prepped for the week, its rich sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta make it an irresistible meal. Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides for the ultimate Italian-inspired feast!
Print
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and loads of melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minute
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a pan, cook ground beef/sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix Pasta & Sauce: Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half the pasta mixture in the dish, add dollops of ricotta cheese, then top with the remaining pasta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.