Go Back

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta

A hearty and comforting pasta bake made with rigatoni, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella — a family favorite Italian-inspired dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef optional
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Cook rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic. Add sausage or beef (if using) and cook until browned. Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with sauce. Layer half in the dish, add ricotta mixture, then remaining pasta and cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more until bubbly and golden.
  7. Rest 10 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

Notes

Use good quality marinara for best flavor. Add vegetables or extra cheese as desired.