Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake – IT’S MOUTHWATERING!

If you love easy to cook at home Italian dishes, we’ve got a treat for you.

This Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake is a mouth-watering main course that will leave your friends and family begging for more.

This is a great choice for a dinner party, covered dish event, or family dinner at home.

You can even double or triple this easy Rigatoni pasta bake for a larger event.

Let’s dive right into your new favorite pasta bake recipe.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What Is Italian Rigatoni?

Italian rigatoni is a yummy Italian dish made with rigatoni noodles, beef, cheese, and other ingredients. This dish is hearty and filling and works perfectly for a family dinner or event.

Should You Fully Cook the Pasta Before Baking?

Yes, you should definitely cook the pasta before baking. Cooking the pasta first will ensure that the pasta is done and you have firm noodles that are not crunchy.

How to Serve Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake?

This dish is best served warm. You do not want to serve this immediately out of the oven, though. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes and cool enough that cheese and sauce are not runny.

Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake Cooking Tips

Cook noodles till they are al dente. Cooking the noodles just until al dente will ensure that while baking the noodles do not become overly soft or mushy.

Variations of Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake

There are variations you can make to this classic Italian Rigatoni Bake. If you prefer to leave out the meat, you could use a meat substitute or additional vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Ground Italian “mild” sausage
• Onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Minced garlic
• Rigatoni pasta
• Tub whole mile ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Dried basil

How to make Rigatoni Pasta Bake:

Step 1. In a large skillet, over med. high heat adds the olive oil and onions and sauté till tender (about 5 minutes), add in the ground beef and sausage, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain the grease, leaving a little in the pan for moisture.

Step 2. Add in the garlic, canned tomatoes with juice and the tomato sauce. Stir well, add in 2 tsp. Italian seasoning, pinch of salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Once combined, remove 1 C. to a bowl and set aside to cool. Cover remaining sauce and simmer on low for 20 minutes. While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta with 1 T. of salt till tender.

Step 3. In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1 C. of mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning and the parmesan cheese.

Step 4. When the pasta is done, drain and add to the ricotta mixture.

Then stir to combine, and then add the cooled sauce to the pasta and combine. In a 10×13 deep-sided dish, lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 5. Layer 1/2 of the noodle mixture in the bottom, top with 1/2 of the meat mixture then 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat for the final layer and sprinkle with dried basil on top of the cheese.

Step 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the cheese is browning and the casserole is bubbly.

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How To Store Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake?

This dish stores well in the fridge in an airtight container. Many people report that this dish is even better on the second day.

How To Reheat Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake?

You can reheat Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, be sure to set it to a low temp and watch carefully.

How Long Does This Dish Last In The Fridge?

This dish is ok to save in the fridge for 2-3 days. Remember, dishes that contain meat or dairy, should be carefully monitored and not kept for more than 4 days.

Can I Make Ahead Italian Rigatoni Pasta Bake?

This is a great option if you need to make it ahead. The rigatoni bake will keep in the fridge and can quickly be reheated in the oven.

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