Easy 30-Minute Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Baked rigatoni transforms ordinary pasta nights into extraordinary culinary adventures that capture restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Creamy cheese cascades through perfectly cooked tubes, creating layers of indulgent comfort.

Rich marinara sauce weaves between tender noodles, promising a symphony of flavors with each forkful.

Hearty sausage adds robust depth to this classic Italian-inspired masterpiece.

Professional chefs might envy the sophisticated yet approachable nature of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special when this sumptuous bake emerges from the oven.

Family and friends will gather eagerly around the table, anticipating every delectable bite: prepare to become the household’s most celebrated cook.

Why Cheesecake Factory’s Baked Rigatoni Is So Satisfying

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This baked rigatoni delivers a warm, soul-satisfying meal packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness that hugs your taste buds like a comforting Italian embrace.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, making busy evenings feel effortlessly gourmet and deliciously stress-free.
• Layer in Flavor Complexity: By simmering sausage, onions, and marinara sauce together, the dish develops deep, multilayered tastes that elevate a classic pasta recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring every bite bursts with savory excitement.
• Customize with Ease: The straightforward method allows home cooks to personalize the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or experimenting with different cheese combinations, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

What You’ll Need for Baked Rigatoni Perfection

• Rigatoni Pasta: Classic tubular pasta perfect for catching sauce and holding shape during baking.

• Italian Sausage: Flavorful protein that adds rich, spicy notes to the dish.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory depth to the sauce base.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that forms the primary liquid component.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melting cheese that creates a stretchy, gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complex flavor and helps create a golden crust.

• Basil: Fresh herb that brings brightness and traditional Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild, warm spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking.

Make Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Style

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position the oven rack in the center. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil a large saucepan of salted water. Cook rigatoni slightly under the package instructions (about 2 minutes less than recommended) to ensure it doesn’t overcook during baking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Meat and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage and onions, cooking for 5-7 minutes until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• 2 jars marinara sauce
• Fresh basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes over medium-low heat, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Thoroughly mix the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce.

Step 6: Layer the Baking Dish

• Spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese
• Add Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Complete the Layering

• Add remaining mozzarella cheese
• Sprinkle final Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the dish is hot and cheese is bubbling with golden edges.

Tips to Get That Cheesy, Bubbly Finish

• Simplify Cooking Time: Undercook pasta by 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Layer Strategically: Spread pasta in single layer to ensure even heat distribution and consistent texture.
• Herb It Up: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation.
• Cheese Game Strong: Add Parmesan shavings on top for extra richness and sophisticated touch.
• Size Matters: Choose shorter pasta like mezzi rigatoni to reduce chopping and improve eating experience.

Keeping Baked Rigatoni Fresh and Tasty

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for your leftover Baked Rigatoni. Carefully place the pasta in vacuum-seal bags, removing all air to prevent moisture and freezer burn. This method extends shelf life up to 2-3 weeks, maintaining the original taste and texture perfectly.
• Individual Portion Freezing: Divide the remaining rigatoni into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. Use freezer-safe glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Label each container with the date to track freshness and prevent food waste.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Allow the rigatoni to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before storing. Transfer to the refrigerator promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Place the dish on a wire rack to ensure even cooling and prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

Unique Twists on a Comforting Classic

• Mediterranean Veggie Voyage: Replace sausage with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Stampede: Swap marinara with salsa, incorporate ground beef or chorizo, and mix in black beans. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Chicken Fusion: Substitute sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken, blend in cream cheese with marinara sauce, and include spinach for extra nutrition. Garnish with crispy pancetta bits for added texture.
• Seafood Coastal Celebration: Replace meat with succulent shrimp and crab meat, use white wine marinara sauce, and incorporate fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top for a luxurious finish.

Our Take on the Cheesecake Factory Pasta Favorite

Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory recipe promises an irresistible culinary journey through classic Italian-American comfort cuisine.

Layered pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese create complex flavor profiles that dance across palates.

Hearty sausage and aromatic herbs elevate this dish beyond simple pasta preparations.

Home chefs can master restaurant-quality meals with straightforward techniques and accessible ingredients.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully constructed bite.

Passionate cooks should dive into this sensational recipe – you’ll want to share its deliciousness, snap mouthwatering photos, and spread the love with friends craving authentic, homemade magic.

Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Baked Rigatoni channels Italian-American comfort with layers of hearty pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Creamy ricotta and perfectly al dente rigatoni create a luxurious pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed (or substitute with ground beef)

Main Carbohydrates:

• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) box rigatoni (or mezzi rigatoni)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Sauces and Cheeses:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (24 ounces/680 grams) jars of marinara sauce (about 5 cups total)
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or additional fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center. Thoroughly grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish.
2. Boil rigatoni pasta in a large pot of generously salted water, cooking until just shy of al dente to prevent overcooking during baking. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high temperature.
4. Crumble Italian sausage and diced onions into the pan, cooking until meat loses its pink color and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Pour both marinara sauce jars into the skillet, incorporating fresh basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
7. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, developing rich flavors for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
9. Transfer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
10. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the first layer.
11. Add remaining pasta mixture, topping with additional 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
12. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Satisfy hungry crowds with a restaurant-worthy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation.
• Elevate weeknight dinners by preparing a hearty pasta casserole that captures authentic Italian-American comfort food essence.
• Customize spice levels effortlessly by adjusting red pepper flakes, ensuring every bite meets personal taste preferences.
• Maximize convenience with a make-ahead friendly recipe that develops deeper flavors overnight, perfect for busy households.
• Store leftovers confidently in the freezer for quick reheating, turning one cooking session into multiple delicious meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg