Rigatoni al Forno

why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and can be made with pantry staples. The baked pasta develops a delicious crispy top while staying soft and creamy underneath. It’s also highly customizable—perfect for adding your favorite meats, vegetables, or cheeses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Marinara or tomato sauce
• Crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauce)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes if using, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until well coated.
8. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce.
• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more vegetables.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using extra veggies.
• Use different pasta shapes like penne or ziti if you don’t have rigatoni.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Rigatoni al Forno also freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What does “al forno” mean?

“Al forno” is Italian for “baked in the oven,” referring to how the pasta is finished by baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of meat works best?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both are traditional choices.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a good-quality marinara for best flavor, or make your own from scratch.

Is ricotta necessary?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute with cottage cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter version.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy during baking.

How do I get a crispy cheese topping?

Remove the foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.

Can I freeze Rigatoni al Forno?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking or freeze leftovers in portions.

What side dishes go well with this?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great pairings.

Can I make it without meat?

Yes, skip the meat and add extra vegetables or use a plant-based meat alternative.

Conclusion

Rigatoni al Forno is a comforting, crowd-pleasing baked pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bold, cheesy flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this Italian classic is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Rigatoni al Forno

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Rigatoni al Forno is a comforting Italian baked pasta dish layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara, all baked to perfection with a crispy, golden top. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or feeding a crowd.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 12 oz rigatoni pasta
2. 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
3. 1 small onion, diced
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 cups marinara sauce
6. 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional)
7. 1 tbsp olive oil
8. 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
9. 1/2 tsp black pepper
10. 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
11. 1 cup ricotta cheese
12. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
13. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14. Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or béchamel if preferred.
• Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Omit meat for a vegetarian version—add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead.
• Rigatoni can be swapped with penne or ziti.
• To freeze, assemble and wrap tightly before baking, or freeze leftovers.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg