Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Cheesecake Factory’s Baked Rigatoni with this delightful recipe. Featuring tender rigatoni pasta enveloped in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with a savory ground chicken marinara, and baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate the beloved Cheesecake Factory dish in your own kitchen.
• Creamy and Savory: The combination of Alfredo and marinara sauces offers a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serves up to six, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Alfredo sauce
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Ground chicken
• Tomato paste
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Dried basil
• Crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9” x 13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and place the pasta into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Alfredo Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Alfredo sauce and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the Alfredo and cream cheese mixture over the cooked pasta. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Bake the Pasta: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta is baking, heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks (about 5 minutes).
7. Add Flavor to the Meat: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
8. Create the Marinara Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and cook for approximately two minutes. Add the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Continue to cook until the sauce is heated through.
9. Serve: Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it stand for five minutes. Divide into six portions, top each with the ground chicken marinara sauce, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach to the marinara sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked rigatoni (without the meat sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warm.

FAQs

What type of Alfredo sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce or make a homemade version if preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce separately, store them in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or ziti can be used in place of rigatoni if desired.

How can I make the dish healthier?

Opt for whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheeses, and a lighter Alfredo sauce to reduce calories and increase fiber content.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread complement the baked rigatoni beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when reheating?

Covering the dish with foil while reheating helps retain moisture and prevent drying.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, the baked rigatoni (without the meat sauce) freezes well. Ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.

Can I use a different meat for the sauce?

Certainly, ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage are excellent alternatives to ground chicken.

Conclusion

This Baked Rigatoni Cheesecake Factory recipe brings the indulgent flavors of the restaurant into your home kitchen. With its creamy Alfredo-coated pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that promises to delight your taste buds and become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting meal and the satisfaction of sharing it with loved .

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