Baked Rigatoni Recipe: A Classic Italian Comfort Food Dish

This Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal. Loaded with tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a potluck. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a rich, flavorful, Italian-inspired casserole that everyone will love.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare baked rigatoni step by step, get tips for making it even better, and explore variations to customize the recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a busy weeknight, this baked rigatoni recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like pasta, marinara, and cheese.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: The ricotta mixture and gooey mozzarella take this dish to the next level.
• Customizable: Easily adjust to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for Baked Rigatoni

For the Pasta

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Rigatoni’s tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully, making it ideal for baked casseroles.
• Salt: To season the boiling water for the pasta.

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a savory, meaty base. You can use either or a mix of both for more flavor.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand, or use homemade marinara if you have it.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Enhances the flavors with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the meat.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce.

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, rich layer.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta.

For the Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. (The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.)
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well) with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Layer the ingredients:
   • Start with half of the cooked rigatoni.
   • Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta.
   • Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
3. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Rigatoni

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
2. For extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Let Rest and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve and allows the flavors to meld.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Baked Rigatoni

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
2. Drain the Meat Well: Remove excess grease from the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Use Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a key ingredient, opt for a high-quality brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
4. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Fontina, Provolone, or Gouda for a unique twist.
5. Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the casserole rest after baking ensures cleaner slices and better flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Baked rigatoni is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus pair beautifully.
• Soup: Serve with a bowl of Italian wedding soup or minestrone for a cozy dinner.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Baked Rigatoni: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
2. Spicy Rigatoni: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
3. Four-Cheese Rigatoni: Incorporate additional cheeses like Provolone, Asiago, or Fontina for an extra-cheesy version.
4. Pesto Rigatoni: Swirl a few spoonfuls of basil pesto into the ricotta mixture for a fresh, herby flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~450-500
• Protein: ~28g
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~38g
• Fiber: ~3g

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftover baked rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal due to its sturdy shape, but penne or ziti can also work.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a lighter version.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure to cover the pasta evenly with sauce and cheese. You can also cover it with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.

6. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, baked rigatoni freezes well. Assemble and freeze before baking for the best results.

7. What’s the difference between ricotta and cottage cheese?

Ricotta is creamier and smoother, while cottage cheese is chunkier. Both can be used, but ricotta provides a more traditional Italian flavor.

8. How do I make it extra cheesy?

Increase the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, or add a layer of Provolone slices between the pasta layers.

9. Can I make this without ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce as a substitute for the ricotta mixture.

**10. How do I add more flavor to

the meat sauce?**
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, or a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth.

11. Can I bake this in a disposable pan?

Yes, disposable aluminum pans work well and are great for meal prep or potlucks.

12. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and ricotta substitutes, such as cashew or almond-based options, for a dairy-free version.

13. What kind of marinara sauce is best?

A marinara with simple ingredients and no added sugar is ideal. Look for one with a rich tomato flavor.

14. Can I add more protein?

Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon, sausage, or even diced grilled chicken for additional protein.

15. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while assembling the casserole.

Conclusion

This Baked Rigatoni is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together all the classic flavors of Italian cuisine in one easy-to-make casserole. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this baked rigatoni recipe is a must-try. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy the deliciousness!

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