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–+ servings
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meats and cheeses in a hearty dish that's easily customizable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta Substitute with penne if desired
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Turkey sausage is a lighter option
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Ground turkey can be used instead
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade is best, store-bought is fine
For the Cheese
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Swap for provolone if desired
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast works as a vegan substitute
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs like basil can be used
  • 3 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be used if needed

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir marinara sauce into the meat, simmer for about 5 minutes. Add drained rigatoni and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mix well.
  5. Pour rigatoni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is freezer-friendly; assemble beforehand, freeze unbaked, and bake when ready.

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