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Baked Rigatoni with Cheese is the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner at home. This dish combines hearty rigatoni pasta with a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan. With its warm, inviting flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Rigatoni with Cheese is not only delicious, but it also checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner. It’s simple to make, filling, and allows for plenty of customization.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour.
- Cheesy Goodness: Rich layers of melted cheese make it irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that kids and adults will love.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite ingredients.
- Leftovers Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Cheese
- 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 cooked pasta with marinara sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until the pasta is well-coated.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta mixture.
- To achieve a crispy top, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo or a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for added protein.
- Use a combination of cheese, such as adding ricotta or gouda for a more complex taste.
What to Serve With It
- A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for a delightful dipping option.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables for a healthy touch.
Storage and Reheating
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Leftover Baked Rigatoni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You may also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- 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 cooked pasta with marinara sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until the pasta is well-coated.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes: For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables or cooked meat to the pasta mixture. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.
