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Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

A comforting and crowd-pleasing Baked Rigatoni Pasta recipe featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a rich tomato marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make pasta bake is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal ready in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara or homemade tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pasta: Start by boiling the rigatoni in salted water until it is just shy of al dente. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and soft. Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the drained pasta with the tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece. This step is key so every bite is bursting with flavor.
  4. Layer with Cheeses: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the saucy pasta first. Dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers once more for a gooey, cheesy casserole.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling: Place the baking dish into a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be melted, golden, and bubbly on top.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Al dente pasta prevents the dish from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
  • Evenly distribute cheese and sauce between layers to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
  • Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free rigatoni pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: baked rigatoni, pasta bake, cheesy pasta, Italian casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free option