Cheesy Baked Rigatoni – Baked Pasta Recipes Everyone Will Love
This cheesy baked rigatoni is what I call a warm hug in a baking dish. With golden melted cheese, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, it hits every note of comfort food. Whether you’re trying to impress your in-laws or just feed your hungry crew on a Tuesday night, this one's got your back.
Baked pasta recipes like this come in handy when you want something filling but don’t want to babysit the stove. We’re talking about big flavors with barely any fuss. Just a few simple steps, a little oven magic, and boom—you've got one of those recipes baked to perfection.
It’s one of my favorite easy baked dinner recipes because it’s flexible too. Sub in ground turkey, toss in spinach, or even make it one of your go-to chicken baked recipes. Honestly, if you've got pasta and an oven, this is your moment. Whether you're craving baked fish recipes, planning baked dishes for a potluck, or hunting for the ultimate recipe baked with love—this one's a solid place to start.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cook the rigatoni in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Toss in the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Add sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it up with your spoon as you go.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in the Parmesan.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in a large mixing bowl. Add half the mozzarella and stir.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you're feeling fancy.