This Baked Rigatoni combines the comforting flavors of a rich, savory tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce, all baked to perfection.
This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser and is perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck. The crispy golden top and cheesy interior make it a comforting and hearty meal for any occasion. It’s also versatile enough to be customized with your favorite seasonings, veggies, or meats, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound rigatoni pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce and cheese.
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Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Baked Rigatoni is the Ultimate Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, pasta dishes are at the top of the list. There’s something about the way pasta melds with sauce and cheese that creates a sense of home and satisfaction. Baked rigatoni, in particular, stands out because of its texture. The rigatoni pasta holds up well under the weight of the sauce and cheese, making every bite substantial and flavorful. Unlike spaghetti or penne, rigatoni’s ridges and tubes help capture more sauce, making it the ideal choice for a hearty baked pasta dish.
Another reason baked rigatoni is so popular is its versatility. While this recipe features a basic tomato sauce, you can easily customize it to your liking. You can add ground meat, such as beef, pork, or turkey, to the sauce for a more filling dish. Alternatively, you can throw in some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-packed version. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create the perfect dish based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
The Importance of a Good Tomato Sauce
The tomato sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s where the flavor truly develops and shines. When making baked rigatoni, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients for the tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes, if available, can provide a richer and more vibrant taste, but canned crushed tomatoes work just as well and are incredibly convenient.
To elevate the flavor, it’s crucial to use a mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil. These herbs pair beautifully with tomatoes, giving the sauce depth and complexity. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, which balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes and complements the richness of the cheese. Don’t forget the seasoning—salt and pepper are essential to bring out the natural flavors of the sauce and ensure it’s perfectly balanced.
Simmering the sauce for a good 10 to 15 minutes helps develop the flavors and thicken it slightly, ensuring it sticks to the pasta once baked. A properly made tomato sauce can make or break the dish, so take your time to let it come together and reach the perfect consistency.
Cheese: The Key to Creaminess and Flavor
Cheese is, of course, one of the main attractions of baked rigatoni. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor. Ricotta cheese adds a smooth, creamy base to the dish, providing a mild, almost buttery flavor that complements the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Mozzarella is the cheese that really makes the dish shine, as it melts beautifully and adds that iconic gooey texture. When baked, mozzarella creates a golden, bubbly crust that gives the dish a visually appealing, crispy top. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and ricotta, bringing balance to the overall taste.
If you want to get creative, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or fontina to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. However, the classic combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is beloved for its perfect harmony.
Making Baked Rigatoni for Special Occasions
Baked rigatoni is a fantastic choice for special occasions and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or preparing a meal for a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make in large quantities, so you don’t have to worry about running out of food, and it can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. Simply assemble the dish and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. When the time comes, just pop it in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy meal ready to serve.
The dish is also highly customizable, making it perfect for a variety of dietary preferences. For vegetarians, you can skip the meat and load the dish up with vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. If you want to add some protein, ground beef or sausage can be easily incorporated into the tomato sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for a smaller group, baked rigatoni adapts to whatever you have on hand.
How to Serve and Pair Baked Rigatoni
Baked rigatoni is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pasta. The acidity of the salad will help cut through the richness of the cheese, making each bite of pasta feel lighter.
For a more traditional Italian experience, serve the rigatoni with some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the leftover tomato sauce. The combination of crunchy bread and rich sauce is irresistible.
When it comes to pairing beverages, a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the savory flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Baked rigatoni with savory tomato sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes for a perfect comfort food meal. The combination of hearty pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting and delicious flavors. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, baked rigatoni is a versatile and timeless recipe that will never go out of style. So, the next time you’re craving a delicious, cheesy pasta dish, reach for this easy and satisfying recipe – your taste buds will thank you!