Rigatoni Bake
When craving a speedy yet satisfying dinner, this Baked Rigatoni is my ultimate go-to for its unbeatable flavor and comforting appeal on busy weeknights!
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Ingredients
- 14 oz 400g rigatoni pasta
- 14 oz 400g sweet Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped (around 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 28 oz 800g crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup 150g fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup 250g ricotta cheese
- ½ cup 120g fresh pesto
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes over medium heat for about 10 minutes, breaking up the sausage as it browns.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Top with fresh mozzarella pieces, dollops of ricotta, and spoonfuls of pesto.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Calories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 23gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 705mgPotassium: 476mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 862IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 242mgIron: 2mg
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