Name: Baked Rigatoni Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a bubbling dish of Baked Rigatoni Pasta straight from the oven. With layers of tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, rich cheeses, and your choice of meat or veggies, this recipe is a hug in a casserole dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something soul-satisfying and hearty.

What makes baked rigatoni such a standout is how customizable it is. Whether you want to keep it classic with marinara and mozzarella, or jazz it up with sausage, spinach, or creamy sauces, there’s endless room to make it your own. The golden cheese crust on top and the soft, saucy interior create a texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Rigatoni Pasta

This dish is pure comfort with every bite. The rigatoni holds sauce perfectly inside each tube, making every forkful packed with flavor. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, freezes well, and bakes up beautifully when you’re ready to serve. Plus, it feeds a crowd without much effort, making it ideal for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike.

What Kind of Sauce Should I Use for Baked Rigatoni Pasta?

You can go in many directions depending on your flavor cravings. Marinara gives a bright tomato-based tang, while a meat sauce adds richness. Alfredo or bechamel brings in creamy depth. Or try mixing sauces for a custom blend. If you’re looking for bold, try a spicy arrabbiata or creamy vodka sauce. Just make sure it’s a sauce you love—the pasta will soak up all that goodness.

Ingredients for the Baked Rigatoni Pasta

This dish calls for simple ingredients that, when layered together, create a rich and satisfying meal.

Rigatoni Pasta is the heart of the dish. Its large tubes trap sauce and cheese, making every bite extra flavorful.

Marinara Sauce serves as the flavor base. Homemade or store-bought both work well, just go for something robust and herby.

Ground Beef or Sausage adds a savory, hearty element. You can also go meatless with mushrooms or lentils.

Ricotta Cheese brings creaminess and a mild richness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese melts into gooey perfection. Use fresh or shredded for that irresistible cheesy pull.

Parmesan Cheese offers salty, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.

Garlic and Onion give the sauce depth and aroma.

Olive Oil is for sautéing and adds richness to the sauce.

Italian Seasoning adds that classic herbaceous flavor blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.

How To Make the Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente, since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta

In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sauce on the bottom. Add half the rigatoni, dollops of ricotta, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow the baked rigatoni to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so it can set and slice easily.

How to Serve and Store Baked Rigatoni Pasta

This hearty pasta bake is ideal for feeding 6 to 8 hungry mouths. Serve it warm straight from the oven alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, and you can also freeze individual portions for quick future meals.

What to Serve With Baked Rigatoni Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside. Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Think zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots tossed with olive oil and herbs.

Italian Wedding Soup

If you’re in the mood for a bigger meal, a warm bowl of soup pairs nicely with this baked dish.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella echo the pasta flavors but with a refreshing twist.

Antipasto Platter

Add variety with marinated olives, artichokes, and cured meats as a starter.

Sautéed Greens

Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard quickly cooked with garlic brings a healthy element to the table.

Bruschetta

Toasted bread topped with tomato and basil makes a great appetizer while the pasta bakes.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If baked pasta hits the spot, you might also love these delicious dinners:

Cheesy Baked Ziti for another oven-ready classic.
Creamy Cajun Linguine if you want a little spicy kick.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake for flavor-packed comfort.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for an easy stovetop version.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you switch up the cheese or sneak in extra veggies? I love hearing your twists and tips.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food dinners on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight staples: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Baked Rigatoni Pasta brings all the coziness of a home-cooked meal with layers of flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a recipe that feels like a celebration any night of the week, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. Warm, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this pasta bake is a true kitchen staple.