Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food! It’s filled with gooey cheese, rich sauce, and tender pasta. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Once you make it, your loved ones will ask for it again and again!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is super easy and quick to prepare, making it great for busy days or when you want something comforting at the end of the week. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, so you can’t go wrong. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy pasta dish?

How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Ingredients:

1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Pour the rigatoni mixture over the sauce and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
You can mix different cheeses, like cheddar or fontina, for a unique twist.

Variation

You can easily turn this into a meat dish by adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture. This adds extra protein and flavor!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or ziti.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free rigatoni and check your sauce and cheese for gluten-free certification.