Description
A hearty baked rigatoni layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses. This comforting dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 pound ground turkey (or 1 pound total of either)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack near the top.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni for 8–9 minutes, slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add sausage and ground turkey, breaking into small pieces. Cook over medium-low heat for 7–10 minutes until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté onions over low heat for about 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked meat (with juices) to the pot. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and sugar. Stir well.
- Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes.
- Add about 1 1/2 cups of cooked pasta to the sauce and stir, adding more pasta as desired.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop ricotta over the top. Add remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 3–5 minutes until the top is golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Undercooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming mushy أثناء baking.
- You can substitute all sausage or all ground turkey depending on preference.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
