Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

This  Rigatoni bake is about to become your new go-to comfort food masterpiece. Filled with tender rigatoni pasta smothered in a luscious tomato sauce infused with the savory flavors of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice.  With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing your friends at your next gathering. And It's incredibly easy to whip up, even on those busy weeknights when you're craving something hearty and satisfying.

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Why You Will Love This Rigatoni Bake

Here are some reasons why you will love this unique and delicious dish: Maximum Flavor with Minimal Effort: The flavorful meat sauce is a breeze to make by starting with a premade store-bought pasta sauce and adding your spin. The combination of Boursin cheese, fresh basil, and buttery breadcrumbs gives this dish a restaurant-quality taste. Ultimate Comfort Food:  Baked pasta dishes like this rigatoni bake epitomize cozy, satisfying comfort food that warms you from the inside out. The gooey melted cheese, tender pasta, and rich sauce create an indulgent and delicious meal. Convenient Make-Ahead Dish:  This is a great make-ahead meal that can be prepped in advance for holidays, potlucks, or to freeze for later. The flavors meld together beautifully when assembled ahead of time. Crowd-Pleasing Favorite:  With its irresistible blend of flavors from the sausage, herbs, creamy sauce, and cheeses, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It's an easy recipe that makes enough to feed a large group or have leftovers. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables, swap out the protein, or experiment with different cheese combinations to make it your own.

INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:

• Rigatoni: This tubular pasta shape is perfect for capturing the rich, creamy sauce and holding pockets of melted cheese.
• Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage: Providing a savory, meaty base, the chicken sausage adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful foundation for the sauce, adding warmth and complexity.
• Oregano, Thyme, and Red Pepper Flakes: This trio of herbs and spices infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors, balancing earthiness, warmth, and a subtle kick of heat.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The star of the sauce, crushed tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base that coats the pasta and melds with the other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: Adding a velvety richness and creaminess to the sauce, the heavy cream creates an indulgent and luscious texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Both shredded and fresh mozzarella are used, providing a gooey, melted cheese factor and pockets of creamy, stringy goodness throughout the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Dollops of creamy ricotta add a tangy, slightly sweet note and a delightful contrast in texture.
• Fresh Pesto: A vibrant and herbaceous addition, the fresh pesto brings a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish, fresh basil leaves add a bright, aromatic finish and complement the Italian flavors.

How To Make Make Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Making this dish couldn’t be easier: Step1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Step2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Step3.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess fat. Step4.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Step5.Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and stir to combine. Season with dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Step6.In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, shredded mozzarella, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Step7.Transfer the rigatoni mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe casserole dish. Spread it out in an even layer. Step8.Top the rigatoni with fresh mozzarella pieces and dollops of pesto, distributing them evenly over the top. Step9.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Step10.Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Step11.Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Step12.Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips For The Best Rigatoni Pasta

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a rigatoni bake that's sure to impress your family and friends.

• Cook the pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the rigatoni until it's just shy of being fully cooked. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don't want mushy, overcooked pasta in your final dish.
• Brown the sausage well: Take the time to let the sausage brown properly in the skillet. Those browned bits will add incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Don't skimp on the aromatics: The combination of onions, garlic, and herbs is what gives this dish its irresistible aroma and flavor. Be generous with these ingredients.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a good-quality pesto. The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste.
• Garnish generously: Don't forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves or even a drizzle of extra pesto or olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Experiment with variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap out the protein, or try different cheese combinations to make this dish your own.

How To Store 

Storing: Leftover rigatoni bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maximize freshness, it's best to store the sauce and pasta separately, and only combine portions when reheating. Freezing: Allow the baked dish to cool completely. Portion the rigatoni bake into individual servings or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil pans. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Label with the name and date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the frozen rigatoni bake to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use regular pork sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Yes, you can substitute regular pork sausage for the chicken sausage. Just be mindful that pork sausage may have a higher fat content.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While rigatoni is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or fusilli.