The Cheesiest Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Pasta enthusiasts crave this hearty baked rigatoni pasta recipe that promises to delight every taste bud.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, melted layers of goodness blanketing perfectly cooked noodles.

Each forkful brings a comforting blend of robust flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

The simple yet elegant dish combines classic Italian ingredients with a homestyle touch.

Robust tomato sauce mingles with tender pasta and creates a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Packed with savory elements and easy to prepare, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Dive into this delectable creation and let your culinary journey begin.

Serving Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe Right

• Pasta Night Perfection: Elevate your baked rigatoni with these delightful serving suggestions!
• Salad Symphony: Pair the hearty pasta with a crisp mixed green salad topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread Bliss: Serve alongside golden, crispy garlic bread brushed with herb-infused olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your meal.
• Wine Companion: Complement the rich meat sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will beautifully enhance the flavors of the dish and create a restaurant-worthy dining experience.

Storing Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe With Ease

• Refrigerator Storage Techniques: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap the baked rigatoni tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen meals for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. For larger servings, reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You’ll Need For Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

• Rigatoni: Sturdy tube-shaped pasta perfect for trapping rich sauces, choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta for superior texture.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking together and adds subtle fruity undertone, use extra virgin for best flavor.

• Ground Beef, Ground Sausage: Provides hearty protein base, select meat with moderate fat content for rich flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato foundation, opt for San Marzano tomatoes or homemade sauce for authentic taste.
• Onion: Adds deep sweetness and aromatic base, use yellow onions for classic flavor profile.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, intense flavor, fresh cloves deliver more robust taste than pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean touch, can substitute with fresh oregano and basil.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Layered seasoning for depth and subtle heat, adjust according to personal spice preference.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy texture, whole milk variety provides richer consistency.
• Egg: Binds ricotta mixture and adds structure, use fresh room temperature egg.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty flavor, freshly grated delivers more intense taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy topping, choose low-moisture variety for best melting.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herbal note, finely chop for even distribution.

Tools For Cooking Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with ample space.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and cooking sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering pasta and baking.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing ricotta cheese mixture.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring meat sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking.

How To Make Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a spacious pot with a pinch of salt. Cook rigatoni until perfectly tender, slightly firmer than typical package guidelines. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to keep noodles from sticking together.

• Meat Sauce Creation

Sizzle ground beef or sausage in a roomy skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Discard excess fat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic for a quick burst of aroma. Pour marinara sauce and sprinkle in seasonings, letting the mixture bubble gently.

• Cheese Mixture

Blend ricotta with a whisked egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley in a mixing bowl. This creamy concoction will add richness to the pasta layers.

• Dish Assembly

Warm the oven to a toasty 375F. Grease a rectangular baking dish. Start with a generous layer of meat sauce, followed by a blanket of rigatoni. Dollop the ricotta blend across the surface and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with a crown of cheese on top.

• Baking and Serving

Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake until heated through. Remove the cover to allow the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Let the pasta rest briefly before presenting a mouthwatering meal perfect for family dinners.

Tips For Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe Flavor

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining a breeze.
• Al Dente Secrets: Slightly undercook pasta before baking since it continues cooking in the sauce, preventing mushy texture and maintaining perfect pasta bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower chunks for a lighter, vegetable-packed alternative that still delivers robust flavor.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or roasted mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Protein Boost: Mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for additional nutritional value and variety.

Hearty Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rigatoni al Forno blends Italy’s comforting culinary traditions with rich, creamy textures. Hearty pasta layers meld perfectly with robust cheese and savory meat sauce, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (226 g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil rigatoni in salted water until just under package cooking time, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage, then sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
3. Sauce Development: Merge marinara with the meat mixture, enriching with Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer to harmonize flavors and develop depth.
4. Ricotta Blend: Whisk ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and chopped parsley until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy foundational layer.
5. Assembly and Baking: Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a baking dish and layer one-third of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange half the rigatoni, spread ricotta mixture evenly, and sprinkle mozzarella.
6. Final Layering: Complete the dish by adding remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and another mozzarella layer. Top with final third of meat sauce, then generously cover with additional mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Oven Finish: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and edges become crisp and bubbly.
8. Serving: Let pasta rest briefly after removing from oven. Serve hot, accompanied by garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Pasta Cooking Precision: Slightly undercook rigatoni to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture after the final oven stage.
• Fat Management Tip: Thoroughly drain meat after browning to avoid excess grease pooling in the final dish, maintaining a clean and appetizing appearance.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Let meat sauce simmer longer to develop deeper, more complex taste profile, allowing herbs and spices to fully integrate.
• Cheese Distribution Hack: Spread ricotta mixture evenly to guarantee consistent creaminess in every bite, preventing dry or overly dense sections.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg