Baked rigatoni is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made with tube-shaped pasta, rich marinara sauce, hearty ground meat, and melty cheese—all baked to perfection. It’s a cousin to lasagna, but simpler to make and just as satisfying. What makes it special is the balance of textures: tender pasta, creamy cheese, and a slightly crispy top layer. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rigatoni.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside. Do not overcook—pasta will continue to soften while baking.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (4–5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes).
- Add marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, layer as follows:
- A spoonful of sauce on the bottom
- Half the pasta
- Half the meat sauce
- Dollops of ricotta mixture
- A handful of mozzarella
- Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella on top.
5. Bake It
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta before baking.
- Skipping the rest time after baking—this helps the layers set.
- Using too much sauce, which can make the dish watery.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
- Use a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent overflow.
- Mix half mozzarella into the pasta layers for gooier bites.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor—pre-grated often has additives.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Spicy: Stir in chopped jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb: Substitute pasta with cooked zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash.
- White Rigatoni Bake: Swap marinara for a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze baked rigatoni?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking or after—it keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works well, or even a béchamel for a creamy layer.
Closing Thoughts
Baked rigatoni is the kind of dish that brings people together—easy enough for beginners but versatile enough for seasoned cooks to get creative. Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers in both flavor and comfort. Don’t forget to snap a photo, share your twist, and let us know how it turned out!
