Italian Rigatoni Bake
This Italian Rigatoni Bake is a heartwarming dish featuring al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the cooked meat, mixing well.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained rigatoni with your meat-sauce mixture. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving, drizzling with extra marinara if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg