Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta in a single dish, then the Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together layers of rich ricotta, flavorful basil pesto, and savory marinara sauce, baked until bubbling and golden, creating a satisfying combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both impressive and soul-satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From creamy cheeses to tender chicken and bright pesto, this list is simple but essential.

• 16 ounces rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes are ideal for holding sauce and cheese in every bite.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder in the ricotta mixture to give it a lovely creamy texture.
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended): Adds luxurious creaminess for richness.
• ¼ cup basil pesto: Gives a fresh herbal punch that cuts through the cheese’s richness.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty depth to the ricotta blend.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to balance all flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth.
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces: Provides protein and satisfying texture.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Italian herb flavor to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory punch without the fuss of fresh garlic.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To season the chicken perfectly.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken beautifully.
• 32 ounces marinara sauce, divided: A staple tomato base that brings acidity and sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden layers on top.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking later on. Cook the rigatoni pasta in boiling salted water until it is perfectly al dente – tender but with a little bite to hold up well during baking. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, where it will wait to be combined with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the egg, ricotta cheese, basil pesto, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend creates the luscious, creamy layer that will be dolloped over the top of your pasta before baking. The pesto especially brightens the mixture, giving it a fresh, aromatic lift.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In another bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple but flavorful seasoning gives the chicken a savory and herbaceous base that will complement the cheesy and tomato elements perfectly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust on the outside and are cooked through. This step seals in juices for moist, tender bites throughout the pasta dish.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the browned chicken and two cups of marinara sauce directly to the pot with the rigatoni. Stir everything together gently so the pasta is coated evenly, and the chicken is well distributed. This mixture will be the heart of your baked masterpiece.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Pour one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add an extra layer of flavor. Spoon the pasta and chicken mixture on top, then spread another cup of marinara sauce evenly over it. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the sauce in even spoonfuls and smooth it out gently with the back of a spoon. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist and bake for 23 to 25 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt and bubble up beautifully, turning lightly golden and inviting. The flavors meld together into one cohesive, delicious dish that’s hard to resist.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly for easier portioning and allows all those fantastic flavors to marry perfectly.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a vibrant splash of color and lifts the dish with bright herbal notes, making it look as good as it tastes. A little extra grated Parmesan at the table is always a welcome addition for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

This rich and cheesy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or even some garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. These sides bring texture and freshness to balance the creamy richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions, or spoon it into individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-worthy presentation. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil infused with chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick that excites the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pasta is fantastic for next-day meals. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep flavors fresh and texture intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through to preserve moisture, or microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel over the top for a quick fix.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! If you prefer, cooked ground beef, sausage, or even mushrooms work well and add unique flavors while keeping the dish hearty.

Is it necessary to use whole milk ricotta?

Whole milk ricotta gives a creamier texture and richer flavor, but part-skim ricotta can be used for a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, skip the chicken entirely and load up on vegetables or use plant-based protein alternatives to keep it vegetarian-friendly while still flavorful.

What pasta can I use if I don’t have rigatoni?

Short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even shells can substitute nicely; just make sure the pasta can hold sauce well for the best experience.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, cooking the rigatoni al dente before baking is important because the pasta will absorb moisture from the sauce during baking but won’t get mushy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly satisfying comfort food that brings joy with every bite, the Cheesy Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser worth making again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both special and approachable, perfect for cozy dinners and sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again!

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