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Homemade Three-Cheese Baked Rigatoni with Herbed Ricotta photo

Three-Cheese Baked Rigatoni with Herbed Ricotta

This Three-Cheese Baked Rigatoni with Herbed Ricotta is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake bursting with fresh herbs and rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
Herbed Ricotta Mixture
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided (½ cup for each layer)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided (½ cup for each layer)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of rigatoni and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil. Mix until well incorporated.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the tomato sauce until evenly coated. Gently fold in the herbed ricotta mixture.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer half of the sauced pasta into the dish. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Rest the baked rigatoni for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
  • Use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella for a lighter version.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
  • Assemble the dish ahead and bake when ready; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.