Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
If you love bubbly, cheesy comfort food, you’re in for a true treat with this Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe. This dish is the epitome of cozy Italian-American flavor, seamlessly combining tender tube-shaped pasta, a savory meat sauce, and layers of melting cheese. Whether you’re prepping a laid-back family dinner, feeding a hungry crowd, or searching for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe plays an important role, from locking in savory flavors to creating a perfectly oozy, golden top. Here’s a look at the key ingredients and why you don’t want to skip a single one:
- Rigatoni pasta: Those large, hollow tubes hold on to loads of sauce and cheese, guaranteeing every bite is packed with flavor.
- Olive oil: A simple sautéing base that adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions.
- Onion: Chopped onion brings a sweet, aromatic backbone to the sauce.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse that irresistible Italian fragrance to the dish.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a hearty, meaty texture and a bonus boost of flavor.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of good marinara keeps things easy and adds that classic tomato tang.
- Italian seasoning: This handy herb blend brings in that signature Italian flavor profile with minimal effort.
- Salt: Just enough to lift and balance every other flavor.
- Black pepper: A hint of mellow heat that wakes up the whole dish.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds structure and that signature baked pasta luxe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into irresistible cheese pulls and a gooey topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and essential for bold Italian taste.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): These fresh herbs add color and a pop of freshness to finish off the Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe.
How to Make Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook it until just shy of al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This little trick keeps the pasta from getting mushy later as it bakes. Drain the noodles and set them aside—you’re already halfway to cheesy, saucy goodness!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and gets beautifully fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon as you go, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in your favorite jarred marinara sauce followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step marries the flavors and thickens things up a bit, which means your Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe won’t turn out soupy.
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Ricotta
Transfer the cooked rigatoni to a large mixing bowl and pour in the meat sauce. Add the creamy ricotta cheese and toss everything together until well combined. This is where things get decadently creamy—each noodle gets beautifully coated to ensure every forkful is delicious.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Now, grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish! Spread half of the saucy pasta mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the rest of the pasta and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. The layer of cheese on top is what gives the finished Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe its signature bubbling, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil (so the cheese doesn’t stick) and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes so it sets up and is easier to scoop. If you like, finish with a shower of fresh basil or parsley for a restaurant-worthy flourish.
How to Serve Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe a final burst of fresh flavor and color by topping it with chopped fresh basil or parsley. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always a good idea—it brings salty depth and makes everything look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is truly a star, but it also loves good company. Pair your baked rigatoni with a crisp green salad dressed simply in olive oil and balsamic for a refreshing contrast. Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce, while roasted veggies can round out the meal if you want something a little lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style gatherings, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish and let everyone dig in. Hosting a fancier dinner? Spoon generous portions into individual ramekins before baking for a bistro-inspired touch. Leftovers also make wildly satisfying work lunches—just reheat and watch the cheese get all melty again!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. It’s amazing how the flavors deepen overnight—the kind of meal you look forward to twice!
Freezing
The Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is the freezer’s best friend. Assemble the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To cook from frozen, add about 20 extra minutes to the baking time, or thaw overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover rigatoni straight from the fridge, cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a microwave works fine—just add a splash of water to keep things moist and microwave in 30-second bursts.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for hearty texture and flavor. Even without meat, it’s deliciously satisfying and cheesy.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from turning mushy?
Cook your rigatoni just slightly under al dente, as it will continue softening while baking. Draining it promptly and assembling everything fairly quickly helps keep the perfect bite.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese, use a mix of Italian cheese blends, or try provolone for a fun twist. Just be sure to keep plenty of melty cheese for that classic top layer.
How can I add more vegetables?
Stir chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots into the meat sauce for a colorful nutrition boost. Layering in roasted veggies also works beautifully without altering the baking time.
Can I assemble the Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
Final Thoughts
If ever a dinner could win over every member of the family, the Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is it. From the golden, cheesy top to the rich, tomatoey layers underneath, this is pure comfort food at its best. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this crowd-pleasing classic tonight!
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Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese, this baked rigatoni is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta: Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, then drain.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a skillet, cook onion in olive oil, then add garlic and brown the meat. Stir in marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta with meat sauce and ricotta. Layer in a baking dish with cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or add spinach for extra veggies.
- This dish freezes well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
