Oven Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Oven Baked Rigatoni is the epitome of comfort food, combining al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and layers of savory flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a hearty dish, this baked pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Packed with Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for leftovers, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Sophisticated: Rigatoni’s ridges perfectly hold the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
2. Perfect for Gatherings: Easy to prepare in advance and ideal for feeding a crowd.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite proteins, vegetables, or cheeses to make it your own.
4. Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish will become a go-to favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. If using meat, add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
6. Add sugar (if desired) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add half of the cooked rigatoni, spreading it evenly.
4. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
5. Layer with half of the remaining sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the remaining rigatoni, followed by the rest of the sauce.
7. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Rigatoni

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the baked rigatoni cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Choosing the Best Pasta

• Rigatoni: Its tubular shape and ridges are perfect for holding sauce and cheese.
• Substitutes: Use penne, ziti, or macaroni if rigatoni is unavailable.

Perfecting the Sauce

• Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor, or make your own with fresh tomatoes.
• Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes or omit them for a milder dish.

Preventing Dry Pasta

• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water when draining the rigatoni. Add it to the sauce if needed to maintain moisture during baking.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

• Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

Extra Cheesy

• Mix shredded mozzarella into the ricotta layer for added gooeyness.

Spicy Kick

• Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.
• Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors beautifully.
• Dessert: Finish with tiramisu or panna cotta for an Italian-inspired meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.

What Other Cheeses Can I Use?

Provolone, fontina, or gouda are excellent options for adding depth to the flavor.

Can I Use Whole-Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?

Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time for the pasta as per the package instructions.

Conclusion

This Oven Baked Rigatoni Recipe is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of pasta, savory sauce, and melted cheese, it delivers comfort in every bite. Easy to customize and simple to make, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Yield: 4

Oven Baked Rigatoni Recipe

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Oven Baked Rigatoni is the epitome of comfort food, combining al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and layers of savory flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a hearty dish, this baked pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Packed with Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for leftovers, too!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon (5-7 minutes).
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (2-3 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Assemble the Dish

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the prepared sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer, spreading lightly.
4. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the Rigatoni

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
3. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Meat alternatives: Swap Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a variation.

Cheese variations: Use provolone or fontina for added richness.