Simple Baked Rigatoni Recipe: Cheesy and Delicious

Over 75% of home cooks prefer recipes with fewer than ten ingredients. This simple baked rigatoni recipe, with just five main ingredients, could be your next go-to dish.

Enjoy al dente rigatoni, rich marinara, and a decadent cheese layer, all baked to perfection. Achieve the perfect golden-brown top by mastering the cooking steps for this cheesy delight.

Key Takeaways

• Baked rigatoni combines al dente pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a cheesy, flavorful dish.
• Preheat oven to 375°F and cook rigatoni until al dente before mixing with sauce and cheese.
• Layer pasta mixture in a greased dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Assemble up to a day in advance and adjust baking time if starting from the fridge.
• Serve with salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Recipe

Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This simple version of the classic Italian dish emphasizes the delicious combination of al dente pasta, creamy cheese, and savory marinara sauce. The result is a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. With just five ingredients, the dish captures the essence of Italian flavors without unnecessary complications, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves.

To make this dish, you'll need to start by cooking the rigatoni pasta until it's perfectly al dente. Once mixed with the rich tomato sauce and cheeses, the pasta is baked to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown, cheesy top layer. The drizzle of olive oil adds a subtle richness and enhances the overall flavor. This baked rigatoni offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

To prepare this delicious Baked Rigatoni, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in the marinara sauce along with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle the top with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the pasta. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the edges are crisp.

For the best results, make sure not to overcook the pasta during the initial boiling stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake it.

If baking from the refrigerator, remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, covering it with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from burning. Enjoy your delicious Baked Rigatoni with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Steps

Get ready to create a delicious Baked Rigatoni that's sure to impress!

Start by boiling your rigatoni until it's perfectly al dente, then mix it with marinara sauce and half of your cheeses for that irresistible creamy texture.

Drizzle with olive oil, transfer everything into a baking dish, and let it bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly—your taste buds will thank you!

Step 1. Boil Pasta Until Al Dente

Starting with a large pot of salted water, bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. The sound of bubbling water is like music to a cook's ears, signaling that deliciousness is on its way.

Once boiling, add the rigatoni, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect al dente texture, where each pasta tube has a slight bite, ready to soak up the cheesy, saucy goodness later.

Follow the cooking time on the package, usually around 10 minutes, but start checking a minute or two early. You want the pasta firm, not mushy.

Once it's just right, drain the pasta quickly. Feel the excitement as you prepare for the next delicious steps!

Step 2. Mix With Marinara Sauce

Now that your rigatoni is perfectly al dente, it's time to enhance those flavors by mixing in the marinara sauce. Pour the rich, tangy sauce over the warm pasta, letting it envelop each piece in its savory embrace.

As you stir, watch the rigatoni transform, its hollow tubes filling with the delicious marinara goodness, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant color and the enticing aroma filling your kitchen.

This step is crucial, as it lays the foundation for the creamy, cheesy layers to come. Don't rush—allow the sauce to coat evenly, ensuring the rigatoni is thoroughly infused with its robust taste.

Your dish is already promising to be a comforting, satisfying meal.

Step 3. Combine With Cheeses, Oil

With your rigatoni now coated in marinara sauce, it's time to elevate the flavors by incorporating the cheeses and olive oil. Grab the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and sprinkle half of each into the pot with the pasta.

Stir gently, allowing the cheeses to melt slightly, blending with the sauce for a creamy, irresistible texture. The combination of these cheeses will give your dish a rich, savory kick that's hard to resist.

Next, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture. This adds a subtle depth, enhancing the flavors and ensuring a silky finish.

The oil also helps prevent sticking, so every bite remains perfectly cohesive. Your rigatoni is now ready for the next delicious step in its transformation!

Step 4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully transfer the entire pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked rigatoni, where every bite bursts with flavor.

As you spread the mixture, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors of the sauce and cheese melded together. Your anticipation builds as you sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, knowing this will create a delectable cheesy layer.

Drizzle olive oil across the surface, adding a touch of richness and ensuring a delightfully crispy finish. Imagine the satisfying crunch and gooey interior that awaits!

Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown

Place your well-prepared dish into the preheated oven set at 375°F.

This is where the magic happens! Let the rigatoni bake for about 20-25 minutes.

You'll want to keep an eye on it as the cheese starts to bubble and transform into that irresistible golden brown hue.

The edges will crisp up beautifully, adding a delightful texture to every bite.

As the aroma fills your kitchen, anticipation builds for that first cheesy forkful.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, baked rigatoni stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in the kitchen. You'll find that this dish doesn't need a long list of ingredients to be both delicious and satisfying.

It's a recipe that invites you to enjoy cooking without stress, bringing joy with every cheesy, savory bite. The combination of rigatoni, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a meal that's not only easy to prepare but also impressive to serve.

When you make baked rigatoni, you're crafting more than just dinner; you're creating memories around the table. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Rigatoni With Another Type of Pasta?

Think of the pasta as the canvas for your culinary masterpiece! You can definitely swap rigatoni with penne or ziti, as they hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Their tube shapes are perfect for capturing that gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce. Just remember, adjust the boiling time to keep them al dente, and you'll create a dish that's just as delightful and satisfying.

Enjoy experimenting!

Is It Possible to Add Vegetables to the Recipe?

Absolutely, you can add vegetables to the recipe!

Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms boosts flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them in olive oil before mixing with the pasta and sauce.

This adds a delightful texture and freshness to the dish. Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices, making it as vibrant and healthy as you wish.

Enjoy experimenting and personalizing your baked rigatoni masterpiece!

How Do I Store Leftovers and for How Long?

Picture your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of baked pasta, now you've got leftovers to enjoy!

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll stay delicious for 3-4 days.

When you're ready to dive back into that cheesy delight, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm or microwave for convenience.

Each bite will transport you back to that cozy, satisfying meal, ready to be savored again.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

Absolutely, you can use different types of cheese in your baked rigatoni!

Feel free to experiment with cheddar for a sharp kick, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Mixing cheeses like provolone and fontina adds depth, making every bite deliciously unique.

Remember, cheese combinations can transform the dish, so don't hesitate to get creative. Just ensure the cheeses melt well, creating that gooey, irresistible texture everyone loves!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Is It Necessary to Grease the Baking Dish?

You'll definitely want to grease your baking dish! It prevents the pasta from sticking, making serving much easier and cleanup a breeze.

Plus, it helps create those lovely crispy edges everyone loves. Just a light drizzle of olive oil or a quick spray of cooking spray will do the trick.

It's a small step that makes a big difference, ensuring your baked pasta comes out perfect and delicious every time. Enjoy the process!