Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Rigatoni Pasta is a classic comfort dish that combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked to perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare ahead, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its layers of flavor and texture, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite that never goes out of style.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rigatoni pasta
ground beef or Italian sausage
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
marinara sauce or tomato sauce
crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce)
Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add chopped onion and garlic to the meat and cook until softened.

Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella.

Layer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread ricotta over the layer.

Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the meat sauce.

Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a different texture.
Use penne or ziti if rigatoni isn’t available.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freeze unbaked or baked rigatoni for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Absolutely—choose a good-quality marinara for the best flavor.

Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?

Yes, pre-cooking the pasta ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and bake when ready to serve.

What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for sharpness, and ricotta for creaminess.

Why cover with foil when baking?

It helps the cheese melt without burning. Remove foil for a golden top.

Can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Use enough sauce and don’t overbake—covering helps retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or prepare in two pans.

Is rigatoni the same as ziti?

They’re similar, but rigatoni is slightly larger and ridged for better sauce hold.

Conclusion

Baked Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and full of savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, this versatile and satisfying dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade pasta bake that’s sure to become a favorite.

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