rigatoni al forno

Rigatoni al forno

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Rigatoni al Forno: A Hearty Italian Bake with Rich Flavors

Rigatoni al Forno, meaning “baked rigatoni” in Italian, is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This baked pasta combines tender rigatoni with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Hearty and Satisfying: A comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
  • Easy to Make: Simple to assemble and bake, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: A delicious and impressive dish to serve to family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/21 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese2

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.3
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Let the pasta stand for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving):

NutrientAmount (Approx.)
Calories500-600
Protein25-30g
Fat20-25g
Carbohydrates50-60g
Fiber3-5g
Sodium800-1000mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use different types of pasta? While rigatoni is traditional, you can use other types of pasta such as penne or ziti.
  2. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
  3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef or sausage with ground vegetables like lentils or mushrooms.
  4. Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
  5. What are some other topping options? You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Rigatoni al Forno!

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