Name: Baked Rigatoni Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara or tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Rich, cheesy, and bubbling straight from the oven, Baked Rigatoni Pasta is the cozy comfort food we all crave. With its perfectly cooked rigatoni enveloped in a robust tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish offers the kind of hearty satisfaction that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable.

Perfect for a weeknight family meal or feeding a hungry crowd, baked rigatoni is also a great make-ahead option. Layered like a lasagna but without the fuss, it’s endlessly adaptable and pairs wonderfully with salads, breads, or a simple glass of red wine.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Baked Rigatoni Pasta?

The answer is in the name: rigatoni. Its ridged texture and tube shape are ideal for catching every bit of savory sauce and melted cheese. If you’re in a pinch, penne or ziti can substitute, but rigatoni offers that toothsome bite that holds up beautifully to baking.

Ingredients for the Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Rigatoni Pasta: The star of the dish! Its sturdy shape is perfect for layering and absorbing flavor without getting soggy.

Marinara or Tomato Sauce: A rich, flavorful base that ties everything together. Homemade or jarred—just make sure it’s robust and seasoned.

Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds depth and heartiness. Choose your favorite or mix both for a flavor boost.

Onions & Garlic: These aromatics bring out the full flavor of the sauce and meat.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to give you that stretchy, gooey topping.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty bite that balances the richness.

Italian Seasoning & Fresh Parsley: Enhances flavor and gives the dish that unmistakable Italian flair.

How To Make the Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil the rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Pour in your tomato sauce and season with Italian herbs. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix and Layer

Toss the cooked rigatoni with a portion of the sauce. In a baking dish, layer sauced pasta, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve and Store Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Serve it piping hot straight from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Leftovers? Even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

For freezing, assemble the pasta but stop before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What to Serve With Baked Rigatoni Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing contrast beautifully with the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a wholesome side.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting bowl that complements the pasta’s hearty texture.

Red Wine

Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot to balance the flavors.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love baked rigatoni, you’ll adore these saucy, cheesy pasta favorites:

Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for a hands-off, cheesy meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for rich flavor in every bite.
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re craving a creamy white sauce twist.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for cozy nights with a spoon.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight for a sweet-meets-savory pasta upgrade.

Save This Pin For Later

Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can revisit it whenever that cheesy pasta craving hits.

Tried it with your own twist? Maybe you added mushrooms or swapped in ricotta? Share your take in the comments below!

For daily pasta ideas and more cozy favorites, follow along on Pinterest at Savor Queen. Who knows what new dinner idea you’ll discover next?

Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and impossible to resist? Baked Rigatoni Pasta is your answer. With perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta layered in a rich, meaty tomato sauce and smothered in melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this easy dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hunting for a quick dinner idea, prepping for a cozy weekend meal, or need a freezer-friendly dish, this easy recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings—and bonus: leftovers are even better the next day! Serve it up with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This baked rigatoni is the kind of food idea you’ll keep coming back to—filling, flavorful, and packed with those classic Italian flavors everyone loves.