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Baked caprese rigatoni with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh basil on a plate

Baked Caprese Rigatoni with Tomato Basil and Cheese

Baked Caprese Rigatoni is a hearty pasta bake with tender rigatoni, layered tomato flavor, fresh basil, and a bubbly cheese topping. It is a comforting choice for easy weeknight meals or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 303
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb. uncooked rigatoni
Tomato sauce
  • 6 small fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1 12-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn or sliced into ribbons
  • salt and pepper, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
  • ½ block grated cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Preheat the broiler.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic, then sauté over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Cooking
  1. Add the crushed or diced tomatoes and fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
  2. Stir in half of the basil and cook for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and combine the tomato mixture with the pasta.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and stir until the rigatoni is coated. Add more sauce if needed for the desired saucy consistency.
  4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish or skillet.
Baking
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and place it under the broiler for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Finish with the remaining fresh basil and serve.

Notes

I used all three types of tomatoes because I enjoy the different textures they add to the sauce. You can leave one out and use more of another depending on what you have available or the texture you prefer.