Imagine diving into a dish so decadent, so creamy, and so irresistibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This oven-baked cheese stuffed rigatoni isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the kind of cheesy goodness that makes your heart skip a beat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality pasta dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Carefully stuff each rigatoni pasta tube with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Ensure each pasta tube is generously filled.
- Arrange the cheese-stuffed rigatoni in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh, torn basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, as a main course with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with corner cut for easier cheese stuffing
- Choose high-quality, fresh cheeses for maximum flavor
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to the cheese mixture
- Fresh basil is key - tear leaves just before serving to maximize aroma
- Use a wide, shallow baking dish to ensure even cooking and crispy edges
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 30g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
