This baked rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your choice of proteins or vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that combines flavors and textures in every bite.
Overview of Baked Rigatoni
Baked rigatoni is a classic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
With its layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it combines simplicity with delightful flavors.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key to a successful baked rigatoni lies in its ingredients.
Using high-quality marinara sauce enhances the overall taste, while a mix of ricotta and mozzarella creates a creamy texture.
Don’t forget the grated Parmesan on top; it adds a savory finish that elevates the dish.
Preparation Steps
Preparing baked rigatoni is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Start by cooking the rigatoni until it’s al dente, ensuring it holds its shape during baking.
Mixing the cheeses with Italian seasoning brings out the flavors, creating a delicious filling.
Layering for Flavor
Layering is crucial in this recipe.
Begin with a base of rigatoni mixed with marinara sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture.
Repeat the layers to ensure every bite is packed with flavor, and finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
Baking to Perfection
Baking is where the magic happens.
Cover the dish with foil to allow the pasta to heat through, then remove it to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese on top.
This step is essential for creating the perfect texture that everyone loves.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the rigatoni rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that delights the senses.
Easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni
This baked rigatoni features al dente pasta mixed with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Layer the Dish: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over it, then sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining rigatoni, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g