Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked rigatoni pasta recipe! It’s one of those dishes that always brings me back to my childhood, where my mom would whip it up for family dinners. The aroma of bubbling cheese and rich marinara sauce fills the kitchen, and I can already hear my family’s oohs and aahs as they dive in. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare—seriously, you can have it ready for the oven in no time! It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for gatherings. Plus, the cheesy goodness just can’t be beat! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation. Ready to get started?
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious baked rigatoni pasta! It’s super simple, and I bet you already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta: This is the star of the show, so make sure to cook it al dente for that perfect texture.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—either works beautifully!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy layer that makes every bite divine.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Don’t skimp on this! It’s what gives that melty, gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nice salty kick and extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Just a drizzle on top before baking for a lovely golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This is where the flavor magic happens.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
How to Prepare the Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this baked rigatoni! Trust me, it’s as easy as pie. First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a big pot and cook your rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll bake in the oven later.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Add in your marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and coated.
Next, transfer that delicious mixture into a baking dish. Don’t forget to spread it evenly! Now it’s time to top it off with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese—this is where it gets all cheesy and bubbly! Drizzle the olive oil over the top for that golden finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dig in! You’re going to love it!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, a serving of this baked rigatoni pasta contains around 400 calories, with about 20 grams of fat, 18 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy, but remember to adjust based on your ingredients!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious baked rigatoni pasta recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One of the most common queries I get is about storage. If you have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is super easy—just pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. I promise it’ll taste just as good!
Now, if you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions. You can add cooked ground meat for a heartier dish or toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. No ricotta? No problem! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can work as a substitute, too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheeses—goat cheese or a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist!
Lastly, if you’re cooking for a larger crowd, just double the recipe! It’s so easy to scale up without losing any of that cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious meal on the table in just 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy pasta dish, and this one is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
- Full of Flavor: Packed with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, every bite is a flavor explosion!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite proteins or veggies to make it your own.
- Leftover Heaven: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked rigatoni pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, use high-quality ingredients whenever possible. A good marinara sauce can elevate the whole dish, so don’t skimp here! Also, when cooking the rigatoni, be sure not to overcook it. Al dente is your best friend because it’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Another pro tip is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. Speaking of serving, I love to pair this pasta with a fresh salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving for that restaurant-style touch! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Variations
One of the best things about this baked rigatoni pasta recipe is how customizable it is! If you’re a fan of different cheeses, why not mix things up? Try adding some creamy goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a unique twist. You can also swap out the mozzarella for a spicy pepper jack if you like a little kick!
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor. You could even mix in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey for a heartier dish. If you want a lighter version, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor it to suit your taste! Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity!), storing them is super simple. Just place the baked rigatoni in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in the oven for the best results—just set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it through until it’s hot and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. Trust me, this dish tastes even better the next day! Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic pasta recipe or this cheesy pasta casserole. You can also learn about the health benefits of pasta here.
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Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe: 5 Cheesy Comfort Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked rigatoni pasta recipe that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground meat or vegetables for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked rigatoni pasta recipe
