Baked Rigatoni Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings the whole family together, this Baked Rigatoni Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about pasta baked with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese. It’s a meal that satisfies young and old alike, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can whip it up quickly, then let your oven do the work while you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.

This recipe is special to me because it combines simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor. I love how the layers of rigatoni, meat, and cheese create such a delightful texture and taste. Trust me; once you try this baked rigatoni, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: This dish comes together easily in just about an hour, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy pasta bake! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Great for meal prep!
• Delicious leftovers: If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
• Customizable: You can mix in your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins to suit your tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Rigatoni:

For the Pasta Bake

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped sweet yellow onion
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 jars (24 ounces each), or 6 cups of homemade sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about this Baked Rigatoni Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese lovers rejoice: Mix in ricotta cheese for creaminess or use different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375° F. This allows the pasta bake to cook evenly once we’re ready to pop it in!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it! Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce cling beautifully.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Brown Beef

In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened—about 2-3 minutes. Then add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s browned all over. If there’s excess grease, drain it off. Finally, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in that luscious marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer before lowering the heat. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Mix In Pasta and Cheese

Take your skillet off the heat and sprinkle in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni until it’s well coated with that saucy goodness! Transfer this mixture into your greased baking dish.

Step 6: Layer on More Cheese

Now comes my favorite part! Top the rigatoni with shredded mozzarella followed by another layer of Parmesan. Sprinkle dried oregano on top—this adds such wonderful flavor!

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray on one side to prevent sticking. Bake covered for about 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your Baked Rigatoni rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely so you can serve perfect portions! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

And there you have it—a delicious Baked Rigatoni Recipe that’s bound to be on repeat at your dinner table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Making this Baked Rigatoni is a breeze, but a few pro tips can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the rigatoni just until al dente ensures it maintains its shape and texture during baking. This way, the pasta won’t become mushy in the oven.

• Layer Wisely: When transferring the mixture to your baking dish, make sure to spread it evenly. Layering the cheese on top helps with even melting and browning, resulting in a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile. Different cheeses can add richness and depth to your baked rigatoni.

• Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the baked rigatoni sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven helps set the layers, making it easier to slice and serve while maintaining its form.

How to Serve Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Serving up your delicious Baked Rigatoni can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this cozy dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, offering red pepper flakes on the side lets everyone spice things up to their liking.
• Grated Parmesan: For cheese lovers, extra Parmesan on top just before serving enhances flavor and adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is an irresistible pairing with baked rigatoni. It’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce!
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta. The crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a healthy balance and add vibrant colors to your plate.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is an excellent choice that adds nutrition without overshadowing your main dish. Plus, its green color looks fantastic next to cheesy pasta!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Baked Rigatoni will not only taste amazing but also look delightful on any dinner table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Rigatoni recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for a delicious dinner later in the week. It also makes great leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy this comforting dish multiple times.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the baked rigatoni to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dish cool completely after baking.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen rigatoni in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and cover the dish with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Baked Rigatoni Recipe:

Can I use different types of pasta for this Baked Rigatoni Recipe?

Yes! While rigatoni is perfect for this recipe due to its shape and size, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

How long does it take to make the Baked Rigatoni Recipe from start to finish?

The total time for this Baked Rigatoni Recipe is approximately 65 minutes, including both prep and cooking time. It’s a quick and easy meal that your family will love!

Can I make this Baked Rigatoni Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to create a delicious vegetarian version.

What should I serve with my Baked Rigatoni Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Baked Rigatoni recipe as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for busy weekdays, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite!