Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Bake
This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Bake is the ultimate comfort food: cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor.
Rigatoni gets tossed with golden chicken, tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella, then topped with more sauce and cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It is an easy family dinner that also makes great leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rigatoni Bake
- So cheesy: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Family friendly: everyone loves it.
- 35 minutes: easy weeknight dinner.
- Great leftovers.
Chicken Rigatoni Bake Ingredients
Chicken
Diced or shredded and cooked until golden.
Rigatoni
Cooked al dente.
Tomato Sauce
One jar of your favorite.
Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan
Creamy, melty, and savory.
Fresh Parsley
Optional garnish.
Swap It: Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free.
How to Make Chicken Rigatoni Bake
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Boil the rigatoni until al dente and drain.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season and cook the chicken until golden. Shred or dice.
Step 3: Combine
In a baking dish, stir together the pasta, sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, and chicken.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Season the chicken. Garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
- Undercook the pasta slightly. It finishes in the oven.
- Rest before serving. Easier to scoop.
- Broil at the end. For extra golden cheese.
Make It Your Own
- Rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut.
- Spinach: Stir in spinach.
- Alfredo: Use half Alfredo, half marinara.
- Sausage: Swap for chicken.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving with extra time.
What to Serve With Chicken Rigatoni Bake
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm covered at 350°F.
What People Ask About Chicken Rigatoni Bake
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne or ziti work.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble and bake later.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Up to 3 months.
Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain.
- Season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Shred or dice it.
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the cooked chicken. Stir well.
- Top the mixture with the remaining tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make it easier to serve.
- Add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
