Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta
Indulge in a delightful cheesy baked rigatoni that's perfect for any occasion! This cozy casserole combines al dente rigatoni pasta with rich ricotta, savory parmesan, and ooey-gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in a tangy marinara sauce. Each bite is a burst of flavor and creaminess, satisfying even the most devoted cheese lovers. Serve it at family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or as a comforting weeknight dinner. Whether you use Barilla Al Forno sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
N/A
Servings
420
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
eggs
2 (beaten)
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (none)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
parsley
1 tablespoon (dried)
mozzarella cheese
3 cups (shredded and divided)
pasta sauce
52 ounces (2 jars) (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
5
Add the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and dried parsley to the eggs, stirring until fully combined.
6
To assemble the casserole, spread 2 cups of pasta sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7
Layer half of the cooked rigatoni over the sauce, followed by spoonfuls of half the ricotta mixture.
8
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
9
Pour 2 cups of pasta sauce over the mozzarella, then layer the remaining rigatoni on top.
10
Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the second layer of rigatoni.
11
Top with 1 cup of mozzarella, followed by the remaining pasta sauce, and finish with the last 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
12
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the casserole is bubbling.
13
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and slightly brown.
14
Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
22.75g
Fat
34.5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta?
It is a comforting Italian-style casserole that combines rigatoni pasta with a blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses in a savory marinara sauce.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before beginning the assembly of the dish.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the pasta and cheese from sticking.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain it.
What is the purpose of adding eggs to the recipe?
Beaten eggs are mixed with the ricotta cheese to act as a binder, helping the cheese layer set properly during baking.
What ingredients are in the ricotta mixture?
The mixture consists of 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
How much pasta sauce is required for this recipe?
You will need a total of 52 ounces of pasta sauce, which is equivalent to approximately two standard jars.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
The assembly begins by spreading 2 cups of pasta sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish.
How many layers of rigatoni are in this dish?
The recipe calls for two layers of cooked rigatoni pasta interspersed with cheese and sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, which is divided among the internal layers and the top.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil for the initial baking period of 60 to 70 minutes.
How do I get the cheese on top to brown slightly?
After the initial baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
How long should the casserole rest after coming out of the oven?
Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers set so it serves more easily.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 420 calories per serving of this baked rigatoni.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 18.75 grams of protein.
How much fat is in a serving?
The dish contains 22.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 34.5 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What kind of pasta sauce is recommended?
You can use Barilla Al Forno sauce or any of your favorite pre-made spaghetti or marinara sauces.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, you can substitute with fresh parsley if preferred.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as pasta, casserole, Italian, comfort food, and family-friendly.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
How many ounces of rigatoni are needed?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce package of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the total preparation time for baking?
The total baking time ranges from 65 to 75 minutes, plus 15 minutes of resting time.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While rigatoni is ideal for holding the cheese and sauce, you could substitute with penne or ziti.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, with only 7 main ingredients and straightforward layering steps, it is classified as an easy recipe.
How many jars of sauce does 52 ounces represent?
52 ounces typically equals two standard jars of pasta sauce.
Can this be served at family gatherings?
Absolutely, its large portion size and classic cheesy flavor make it excellent for family gatherings.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific amount for fiber.
What makes the dish 'ooey-gooey'?
The generous use of 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese creates the melted, gooey texture throughout the layers.