Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe (Easy and Comforting)

Oh wow, have you ever tried cheesy baked rigatoni? It’s like a big warm hug in a bowl! Every time I make it, my house smells so good, and I just can’t wait to dig in.

This recipe is super easy, and guess what? It’s loaded with gooey cheese, soft pasta, and yummy sauce. My family always asks for seconds — and sometimes thirds!

If you love cheese and pasta, you have to try this. It’s perfect for dinner when you want something cozy and filling. And the best part? You can make it ahead and bake when ready!

So, are you ready to make the best cheesy baked rigatoni? Let me show you how I do it, step by step. You’re gonna love this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: Nothing beats baked pasta loaded with cheese and a flavorful meat sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this dish—it’s hearty, cheesy, and filling.
• Great for Leftovers: This rigatoni tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap meats, or adjust the spice level—this dish is flexible to suit your tastes.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day, then bake it when ready to eat.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:
Serves about 6-8 people—perfect for a family dinner or gathering. Want to feed a crowd? Double the recipe and use a large baking dish.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly and simple to prepare, but impressive enough to serve for special occasions.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start cooking, here are the tools you’ll need to make this baked rigatoni:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: To cook the beef and sauce.
• Mixing Bowls: To mix cheeses and other layers.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring sauce and beef.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese (recommended for best melt).

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need (exact amounts will be in the recipe card at the end):

• Rigatoni Pasta: Holds up beautifully to the rich sauce and cheese.
• Ground Beef: Brings savory flavor and hearty texture.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness when sautéed.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for a well-rounded, savory sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance flavor.
• Garlic Powder & Paprika: Add subtle spice and warmth.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend to give the dish that “just like Grandma made it” flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick—adjust to taste.
• Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth, it gives the dish body and richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey cheese pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to every bite.
• Dried Parsley: Optional, for garnish and a touch of color.

Variations for Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Use Cottage Cheese: In place of ricotta, if you prefer a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rigatoni to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until just al dente — usually about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. You want the pasta slightly undercooked because it will finish cooking in the oven.

Once done, drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil if you don’t want it to stick while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent — about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Once the beef is cooked, season it with:

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly.

3. Add the Sauce and Cream

Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir to coat the meat mixture.

Next, add the heavy cream and stir until everything is combined and the sauce looks rich and smooth.

Let this simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, just so the flavors can blend. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or more marinara to loosen it.

4. Mix Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)
• A pinch of dried parsley for color (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together until smooth. This creamy layer adds a rich, cheesy texture to the baked rigatoni.

5. Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble the rigatoni.

Take your 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.

Now, start layering:

• First layer: Spread about 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom.
• Second layer: Add half of the cooked rigatoni pasta.
• Third layer: Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
• Fourth layer: Add another 1/3 of the sauce on top.
• Fifth layer: Add the remaining rigatoni pasta.
• Sixth layer: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generousl

How to Bake Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

1. Bake the Rigatoni

Once your dish is assembled and topped with cheese, cover the baking dish with foil (this helps keep the moisture in while heating everything through).

Place the dish in the preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

If you want a crispier, browned top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

2. Let It Rest Before Serving

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese and sauce time to set slightly, so you get perfect slices rather than a runny mess.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this dish:

• With a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or Caesar salad helps balance the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus make easy sides.
• With Extra Parmesan: I like to serve extra grated Parmesan on the side for anyone who wants more.

If you’re serving a crowd, pair it with a big salad and bread for a filling, complete meal.

Storing Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

This dish stores really well — making it great for leftovers or meal prep!

• In the Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot (about 20 minutes).
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked or baked rigatoni. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • To Bake from Frozen: If unbaked, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, covered, for about 50-60 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Since rigatoni will cook more in the oven, boiling it to just shy of al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Don’t Skip the Cream: The heavy cream in the sauce makes it rich and velvety—don’t leave it out if you want that luxurious texture.
• Use Good Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better than pre-shredded, bagged cheese.
• Add Layers of Flavor: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding beef builds flavor—take your time on this step.
• Let it Rest: After baking, a few minutes of resting time makes it easier to serve and helps the layers stay together.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	780 mg
Calcium	350 mg
Iron	3 mg

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Rigatoni?

Absolutely. Assemble it fully, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes covered, then uncover for another 10-15 minutes.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

You can swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend cheese. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter version.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Make sure to cook the rigatoni just shy of al dente before baking — about 1-2 minutes less than the package says. It will finish cooking in the oven and stay firm.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions. Add them to the sauce before assembling.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a go-to dish when you want something hearty, comforting, and simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying recipe full of flavor and melty cheese. Serve it with a salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal.