Valentine’s Day Cheesy Baked Rigatoni & Red Wine Pairing

Valentine’s Day is all about love, good food, and creating special moments. This year, skip the crowded restaurants and impress your loved one with a homemade Cheesy Baked Rigatoni—a rich, comforting pasta dish loaded with layers of marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Pair it with a glass of red wine for the perfect dinner!

Everything you need for this recipe is available at Key Food Hollywood—your go-to store for fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients (Shop at

What You’ll Need:

🥘 Rigatoni pasta – 1 pound
🍅 Italian sausage or ground beef – 1 pound
🧄 Garlic cloves – 2 cloves, minced
🧅 Yellow onion – 1 small, finely chopped
🌿 Marinara sauce – 2 cups
🥛 Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
🧀 Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
🧀 Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
🌿 Fresh basil – ¼ cup, chopped
🧂 Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
🌶 Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional)
🍷 Red wine – 1 bottle (for pairing)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the rigatoni until al dente (firm but tender).
3. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add Italian sausage or ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix:

• Ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

1. Stir well and set aside.

4️⃣ Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce.
3. Add a layer of rigatoni, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture.
4. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and repeat the process.
5. Top with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Time to Enjoy!

Serve your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with a glass of red wine for the perfect Valentine’s Day meal. This dish brings bold flavors, creamy textures, and a comforting bite—ideal for a romantic dinner at home.

For the freshest ingredients, visit Key Food Hollywood and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!