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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender rigatoni, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, meal prep, or potlucks, this hearty pasta bake delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you love classic baked pasta dishes or want a simple, crowd-pleasing meal, this baked rigatoni hits all the right notes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 1 pound 450g rigatoni pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound 450g ground beef, Italian sausage, or diced cooked chicken
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Cheese Mixture
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
  • For Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, sausage, or cooked chicken and cook until browned.
  5. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
  6. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  7. Mix the Cheese Filling
  8. In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and parsley. Mix well.
  9. Assemble the Bake
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce.
  12. Add half of the cheese mixture and stir until combined.
  13. Layer half the pasta into a baking dish.
  14. Add dollops of the remaining cheese mixture on top.
  15. Add the rest of the pasta and sprinkle with the final cup of mozzarella.
  16. Bake
  17. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  18. Serve
  19. Let the pasta rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or extra parmesan.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
For a chicken pasta bake, use diced cooked chicken instead of beef or sausage.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze before or after baking. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Pairs well with salads, garlic bread, or your favorite air fryer recipes.