Description

This Baked Rigatoni recipe delivers a comforting and cheesy pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni baked in a rich marinara sauce with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Simple to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or family meals, it combines familiar ingredients to create a warm, flavorful, and satisfying one-dish meal with endless customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Aromatics

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons fresh basil or oregano, chopped

Cheeses

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

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Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil the rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring not to overcook since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped garlic and onion for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce and fresh basil or oregano, then let it simmer gently to blend the flavors.
Combine Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy mixture.
Layer the Baked Rigatoni: Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the cooked rigatoni in the dish, followed by half of the sauce. Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the top. Repeat layering with remaining rigatoni, sauce, and cheese mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Reserve a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Do not overcook the rigatoni to prevent mushy texture after baking.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting results.
Layer ingredients evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Allow the baked rigatoni to rest before serving to improve texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg