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Baked Rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni
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This Baked Rigatoni is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners. It combines tender rigatoni with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a golden crust of Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s ideal for weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, then drain well.
  2. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Mix in dollops of ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
  4. Assemble in a baking dish: Grease a baking dish generously. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a golden cheesy crust.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled rigatoni for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushy texture after baking.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and creamier texture.
  • Let the baked rigatoni rest after baking to help it set.
  • Combine mozzarella and Parmesan for enhanced flavor and texture.
  • If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil while baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked rigatoni, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, Italian pasta recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/baked-rigatoni/