Italian Casserole Rigatoni And Cheese With Tomato Sauce Recipe

A ridiculously easy and budget-friendly Italian casserole recipe! This cheesy rigatoni bake is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Quick to assemble and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is a family favorite.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 458.3 kcal
Protein 39g
Rating 3.4 (7 Reviews)
Italian Casserole Rigatoni And Cheese With Tomato Sauce 34

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Italian Casserole Rigatoni And Cheese With Tomato Sauce

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How to Make Italian Casserole Rigatoni And Cheese With Tomato Sauce

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the cooked rigatoni to the tomato sauce and toss gently to coat.
  5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and, if using, half of the Parmesan cheese.
  6. Repeat layers with remaining pasta mixture and cheese.
  7. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top layer of cheese.
  8. Bake, covered with foil, for 15 minutes.
  9. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  11. To freeze: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Assemble the casserole as directed, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
  12. To thaw and bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for 15 more minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

30 g

Sugar

20g

Fat

72g

Carbs

13g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner European Italian Mediterranean American Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American South West Pacific Casseroles Main Dish Side Dishes Eggs Dairy Pasta Vegetables American Oven Easy European Winter Italian Cheese Hawaiian Dietary One Dish Meal Seasonal High Calcium Comfort Food Oamc Freezer Make Ahead High In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Elbow Macaroni Tomatoes Taste Mood Savory Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Hot