Rigatoni al Forno Recipe: Creamy Baked Italian Pasta 2026

Rigatoni al forno is one of those baked pasta dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 25 minutes. The large ridged tubes soak up a rich tomato and cream sauce, while chorizo and mushrooms add deep savory flavor to every bite.

This Italian specialty is finished with a dollop of bechamel in the center and a generous layer of Parmesan that melts into a bubbling crust under the broiler. It is comfort food at its finest, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Rigatoni al Forno

For 2 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 75 g chorizo
• 150 g rigatoni
• Salt
• 75 g mushrooms
• 150 g tomato sauce
• 150 ml cooking cream
• 85 g grated Parmesan cheese
• Ground black pepper
• 150 g bechamel

How to Make Rigatoni al Forno Step by Step

1. Brown the Chorizo and Boil the Pasta

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and brown 75 g of thinly sliced chorizo for 2 minutes over low heat. Set the chorizo aside on a plate. Meanwhile, boil 150 g of rigatoni in salted water for the time indicated on the package.

2. Cook the Mushrooms

Preheat the oven broiler. Add 75 g of sliced mushrooms to the same skillet where the chorizo was cooked and sauté for 3 more minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in 150 g of tomato sauce and 150 ml of cooking cream, stir everything together and add 40 g of the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 minutes.

4. Combine Pasta, Chorizo and Sauce

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce, along with the reserved chorizo. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

5. Assemble in Baking Dishes

Divide the pasta between two individual oven-safe baking dishes and spoon 150 g of bechamel between the two dishes, placing it in the center. Cover with the remaining 45 g of grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Broil Until Golden

Broil the rigatoni for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

7. Serve Hot

Serve the rigatoni al forno hot, straight from the baking dishes, so each person can mix in the creamy bechamel at the table.

Tips for the Best Rigatoni al Forno

Use Quality Ingredients

Choose a good-quality tomato sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, and fresh mushrooms for the best flavor. The chorizo adds a nice spicy kick, so pick one you enjoy.

Control the Creaminess

The bechamel is added at the end, in the center of each dish, so each person can mix it in to their liking. This keeps the pasta from becoming too heavy and lets everyone adjust the creaminess.

Presentation Options

You can serve this recipe in individual baking dishes as shown, or use one large baking dish and portion it at the table. Either way, the result is a delicious, comforting meal.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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