Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni Bake
This Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory turkey and bold roasted red pepper flavor—perfect for cozy family dinners!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups roasted red peppers chopped (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped roasted red peppers with 1 cup of marinara sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Meat
- Pour the roasted red pepper and marinara sauce blend into the skillet with the turkey. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together over low heat for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Mix Pasta and Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the turkey sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Food processor or blender
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture after baking.
- If sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash of pasta water or extra marinara to keep it moist.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor and heating.
- Watch the bake during the last minutes to prevent cheese from burning.
- This bake freezes well if assembled but unbaked; bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.