Sensational Oven-Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Baked rigatoni elevates weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent with its luscious layers of flavor.

Molten cheese cascades through perfectly al dente pasta tubes, creating a mouthwatering canvas of comfort.

Zesty marinara sauce dances between tender noodles, promising a culinary symphony that awakens every taste bud.

Savory sausage nestles into the dish, infusing each bite with robust richness.

This Italian-inspired masterpiece transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy feast that feels both elegant and homey.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have your loved ones begging for seconds.

You’ll become the kitchen hero with this irresistible baked pasta that turns ordinary dinners into memorable celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Cheesecake Factory Baked Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Choose pasta with robust ridges for maximum sauce-clinging power; opt for bronze-cut varieties for superior texture.
• Salt: Select kosher or sea salt with clean, mineral-rich flavor for pasta water seasoning.

• Italian Sausage: Pick fresh, well-marbled sausage with authentic spice blend; choose spicy or mild based on heat preference.
• Onions: Select firm, glossy yellow onions with tight skin for robust, sweet undertones.
• Garlic: Choose plump, firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin and vibrant white color.

• Marinara Sauce: Pick high-quality jarred sauce with minimal preservatives; look for San Marzano tomato base.
• Fresh Basil: Select bright green leaves without dark spots; ensure crisp, aromatic fragrance.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Choose vibrant, deep red flakes for consistent heat distribution.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Select fresh, locally made cheese with smooth, elastic texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano with complex, nutty flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil with fruity, peppery notes.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns to grind fresh for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.

Cooking Tools for Cheesecake Factory Pasta

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for boiling pasta with enough space for water and noodles.
• 12-inch Cast Iron Pan or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning sausage and sautéing onions with even heat distribution.
• 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish: Greased and ready to hold all delicious layers of pasta.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using fresh block of cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Rigatoni Instructions from Cheesecake Factory

• Warm Up the Kitchen

Get your oven blazing hot at 400°F and position the rack right in the center. Grab a big baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticking.

• Dance with the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your rigatoni just shy of the package instructions, pulling it out about 2 minutes early so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking. Drain and set aside.

• Sizzle the Savory Base

Fire up a cast iron pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in sausage and onions, letting them brown and sizzle for 5-7 minutes until the meat loses its pink hue. Splash in some garlic and let it release its magical aroma for 30 seconds.

• Craft the Sauce Symphony

Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle fresh basil, add a kick of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes, then pull it off the heat.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Lovingly fold the cooked pasta into the rich sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a delicious coating.

• Build Your Flavor Landscape

Spread half the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Create a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top.

• Crown Your Masterpiece

Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese. Shower the top with another generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

• Bake to Bubbly Brilliance

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubble with mouthwatering promise.

Tips to Adjust Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Elevate the classic recipe with these delicious tips and creative twists.

Swap Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a personalized protein punch. Each option brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the sauce simmering stage. These colorful additions enhance both taste and nutritional value.

Experiment with cheese combinations like adding provolone, fontina, or ricotta alongside mozzarella and Parmesan. Create a rich, complex cheese layer that melts beautifully.

Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Plating Cheesecake Factory Style Baked Rigatoni

• Serve with Fresh Salad: Pair the baked rigatoni with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Add Garlic Bread: Complement the dish with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the savory flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce.

How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Factory Pasta

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the dish's delicious flavors intact and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore entire casserole's crispy edges by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, ensuring even heating.

Incredible Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Baked rigatoni from Cheesecake Factory combines hearty pasta with robust marinara and melted cheese. Creamy textures and rich flavors invite diners to savor this comforting Italian-American classic restaurant dish.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 box (16 oz/454 g) rigatoni or mezzi rigatoni
• 2 jars (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning rack centrally. Thoroughly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil rigatoni in heavily salted water until slightly underdone, ensuring optimal texture after baking. Drain and reserve.
3. Meat Foundation: In a large cast iron skillet, sear crumbled Italian sausage with diced onions over medium-high heat until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Aromatics Integration: Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release fragrant notes without burning.
5. Sauce Development: Add marinara, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer sauce to meld flavors, reducing heat and allowing ingredients to harmonize for 5-7 minutes.
6. Pasta Infusion: Gently fold cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coating.
7. Layering Technique: Create first pasta layer in prepared baking dish, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese, building a luxurious casserole.
8. Baking Finale: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing golden, crispy edges and bubbling surface.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Boil rigatoni just before al dente to avoid mushy texture during baking, ensuring a perfect pasta consistency.
• Layer Strategically: Create two distinct layers with cheese between pasta for even distribution and enhanced flavor melding.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more uniform coverage across the dish.
• Skillet Selection Matters: Use cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and deeper flavor development when preparing sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg