Craving a pasta dish that’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavor? This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a no-fuss Italian-American favorite that turns simple pantry staples into pure comfort. With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, this recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sauce.
- Spread half the pasta into a greased baking dish.
- Dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheeses.
4. Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for that golden, cheesy crust.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
🍽 Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Rigatoni:
- 🔥 Cheesy & Satisfying: Loaded with gooey mozzarella and savory marinara.
- 🍝 Family-Friendly: Everyone — kids and adults — will ask for seconds!
- 🧄 Flavorful Simplicity: Minimal prep, maximum Italian flair.
- 🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready!
💬 Join the Table!
Have you tried this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe? I’d love to hear your twist on it! Leave a comment below and tell me how you made it your own. 🧀🍅💬