Welcome to your next favorite pasta night! If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is your answer. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to whip up for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together—I’ll walk you through every step like we’re in a cooking class!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this cheesy, spicy pasta.
- Easy to make: No fancy techniques—just simple, straightforward cooking.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day!
Ingredients (Serves 5)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouth-watering dish:
Grocery List
- Pasta:
- 1 lb (16 oz) rigatoni pasta
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Protein (optional):
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef (optional for meat lovers)
- Toppings:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a large saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- (Optional) If using meat, cook the ground sausage or beef in a separate pan until browned, then drain excess fat and mix it into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the ricotta cheese.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
Side Tips and Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. Start with 1/2 tsp if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving (based on 5 servings):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
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Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #CheesyRigatoniNight. Happy cooking!
What’s your favorite pasta dish? Let me know in the comments below!
