Print

Rigatoni al Forno

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

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)

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/rigatoni-al-forno/