Layered rigatoni, creamy ricotta, tomato sauce, and cheese combine for an impressive savory bake.
# List of ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound rigatoni
→ Cheese Filling
02 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ To Assemble
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing and brushing
19 - Extra parsley, for garnish
20 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Boil rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until very al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 - Arrange cooked rigatoni upright in the springform pan, packed tightly. Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each pasta tube with the ricotta mixture.
06 - Pour tomato sauce evenly over the filled rigatoni, allowing it to seep between noodles. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top.
07 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
08 - Let rest for 10 minutes before releasing the pan. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Slice and serve warm.
