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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

A serving of creamy pasta bake being lifted, showing long, melted cheese pulls and a rich tomato sauce topping.
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This recipe creates a hearty, comforting pasta bake featuring tender rigatoni, a rich sauce, and layers of gooey, melted cheese. It is designed to be a simple, crowd-pleasing family dinner perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (high quality recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until fully combined.
  7. In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with half of the meat sauce until the pasta is coated.
  8. Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining sauced pasta. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
  11. Let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use a high-quality jarred marinara sauce or homemade sauce.
  • If you prefer a meatless dish, substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms.
  • This dish reheats well; cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/easy-creamy-cheesy-pasta-bake-recipe/