This Easy Baked Rigatoni with Cheese is a warm and cheesy dish that’s hard to resist! With tender pasta and a gooey cheese blend, it makes for the perfect comfort food any day.
I love how simple it is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a hit at my dinner table, plus, who can say no to extra cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This shape holds the sauce really well thanks to its ridges. If you’re out of rigatoni, penne or ziti will work just as fine!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is super convenient! But if you have homemade sauce, use that for even more flavor. For a twist, try pesto for a unique taste.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives creaminess to the dish. If you want a lighter option, cottage cheese is a great substitute. Just blend it a bit to smooth it out!
Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a nice flavor kick. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar for a sharper taste.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have it, individual herbs like dried basil, oregano, or thyme can be used instead. Fresh herbs also work well!
How Do I Make Sure My Baked Rigatoni Has the Perfect Texture?
The key to a great baked rigatoni is in the cooking of the pasta and the layering in your baking dish. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook your rigatoni just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you want it slightly firm.
- Mix the pasta thoroughly with the sauce to ensure every piece is coated. This helps with flavor and creates a creamy texture.
- When layering, alternate the pasta and cheese. This helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the top nice and golden.
- Bake covered initially so the pasta cooks evenly, then uncover for the last part to let it brown.
Letting it sit after baking helps everything settle. Trust me, it makes serving easier!
Easy Baked Rigatoni with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Greasing and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes of active prep time and around 35 minutes for baking. It’s quick to assemble, and other than baking, it doesn’t require much waiting. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your rigatoni bakes evenly once you put it in the oven.
2. Cook the Rigatoni:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it until just al dente, which is usually 1-2 minutes less than what the package instructions say. Once done, drain the rigatoni and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and season with salt and pepper. Mix it together until it’s smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Now, gently toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce mixture, making sure every piece of pasta gets coated with that delicious sauce.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Drizzle the bottom of a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with olive oil to prevent sticking. This will give you a nice golden crust on the bottom.
6. Layer the Rigatoni:
Transfer half of the rigatoni and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Add More Layers:
Add the remaining rigatoni mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake Covered:
To keep everything moist, cover the baking dish with foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Bake Until Golden:
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. It’s going to smell amazing!
10. Final Touch:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely, making serving easier.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Your cheesy, comforting baked rigatoni will surely be a hit, so dig in and savor every bite!
FAQ for Easy Baked Rigatoni with Cheese
Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rigatoni, feel free to use penne or ziti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different shapes may require slight adjustments.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Just blend it a bit to make it smooth, or use cream cheese if you want a richer flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love a kick, adding red pepper flakes is a great start! You can also mix in some spicy Italian sausage or diced jalapeños for an extra fiery touch.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the rigatoni ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
