Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish of baked pasta. When you gather your friends or family around the dinner table, nothing brings them together quite like a serving of Cheesy Baked Rigatoni. This recipe is not only simple to make but also packed with robust flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this dish will surely become one of your favorites.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Rigatoni pasta, with its ridges and tubular shape, is ideal for holding onto flavor-packed sauces and gooey cheese. This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a perfect harmony between hearty pasta and rich tomato sauce, topped generously with melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can easily be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, peeled and diced
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 58 ounces canned tomato sauce (2 cans)
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• Your choice of cheese (e.g., mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta)
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta

How To Make Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onions and mince the garlic, so they are ready to go. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to save time later on.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. This will help the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in the canned tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the delicious tomato sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Baked Dish

In a large baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of your choice of cheese over this layer. Then, add the remaining rigatoni on top and finish with another layer of cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Rigatoni

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Expert Tips

• Feel free to add protein such as ground beef, sausage, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
• For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• You can mix in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Use a mix of cheeses to enhance the flavor—mozzarella for stretchiness and parmesan for a nutty finish.

Variations and Customizations

• You can substitute the rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti.
• For a creamy version, stir in some ricotta cheese or a splash of cream into the sauce.
• Try using different herbs such as thyme or parsley for a unique twist.
• Make it a one-pot meal by incorporating cooked vegetables or proteins directly into the pasta and sauce mixture.

How to Store Leftovers

After finishing your delicious Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you’re storing the dish before baking, you can cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQ

Can I prepare Cheesy Baked Rigatoni in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rigatoni mixture and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

A combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and texture. However, feel free to mix in your favorites!

Can I freeze leftover Cheesy Baked Rigatoni?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Simply omit any meat ingredients you may want to add, and it’s ready to go!

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni recipe is not only mouth-watering but also incredibly easy to prepare. The layers of cheesy goodness and flavorful tomato sauce will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With countless options for customization, it will be a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a cozy dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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