Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Ingredienti

• 1 lb. rigatoni ((I recommend Barilla brand))
• 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley ((optional for garnish))
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage, (casings removed (see notes for substitutions) )
• 1 small onion, (chopped (may sub 1 1/2 tsp onion powder))
• 2 orange or yellow bell peppers, (chopped (I use one of each))
• 6-8 cloves garlic, (minced)
• pinch -1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes ((optional for MORE heat))
• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes in puree ((no salt/seasonings added))
• 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon ((base, crushed cubes or granulated))
• 1 teaspoon sugar, (more or less to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 TBS EACH dried basil, dried parsley ( (may sub 3 TBS fresh))
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried thyme, salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Preparazione

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Cook rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until 1 minute shy of al dente – don’t overcook because it will continue to cook in the oven. Strain and rinse with cold water.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add sausage and cook until almost cooked through. Add the bell peppers, garlic and optional red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the onions are softened. Discard excess grease (if there is any).

4. 4

   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, bouillon, sugar, bay leaf and all seasonings.

5. 5

   Cover, leaving about a 1-inch gap, and gently simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the bay leaf.

6. 6

   Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the rigatoni. Stir until pasta is completely coated. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.

7. 7

   Add to a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.

8. 8

   Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake a few more minutes for toasted cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).