# Baked Cheese & Tomato Rigatoni

This dish is a simple, comforting, and easy-to-prepare baked pasta that stays saucy underneath with a golden, bubbly top.

- Total time: 40 min
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Sauce & Condiment
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) Colavita Roman Rigatoni Pasta
- 4 tbsp Colavita Premium Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Colavita Double Concentrated Tomato Paste
- 2 13.76 Ounce Colavita Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp granulated sugar, optional
- 12 oz (340 g) low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 0.25 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving

## Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the oregano and red pepper flakes, then add the tomato paste.
5. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the paste darkens slightly, about 1 minute.
6. Pour in the tomato-basil sauce.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook while you prepare the pasta.
8. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
9. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
10. Add the rigatoni and cook for about 3 minutes less than the package instructions; the pasta should be very firm.
11. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
12. Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
13. Stir until everything is well coated and very saucy; the pasta should look looser than you think it needs to be.
14. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish (or a 9x9 for a thicker bake).
15. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
16. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella.
17. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the remaining mozzarella and half of the Parmigiano.
18. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until bubbling.
19. Uncover and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
20. If needed, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
21. Let rest for 5 minutes.
22. Finish with remaining Parmigiano and fresh basil.

## Equipment

- large sauté pan
- large pot
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- foil

## Tips

- If you prefer a very saucy baked pasta, an additional 1/2 Colavita Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, if needed, watching closely to achieve a lightly golden top.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/@breadbakebeyond/video/7586016472988765471
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/64acd94e-3a0e-4da5-afb6-102180117363
- Extracted: 2026-04-28

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt