Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for Baked Rigatoni Pasta that’s easy to make and delicious!

Kid-Friendly Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

1. Mix the Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

1. Assemble the Dish:

• Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
• Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray).
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy!

This baked rigatoni is cheesy, comforting, and perfect for kids! You can also add cooked ground beef, turkey, or veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Enjoy your meal!