Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Assemble the Pie:
   In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni pasta with half of the sauce mixture until well coated. Stand the rigatoni pasta upright in the prepared springform pan, packing them tightly together. Spread the ricotta cheese over the top of the pasta, filling the pasta tubes as much as possible. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Bake the Pie:
   Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the rigatoni pie cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
7. Enjoy:
   Slice the rigatoni pie into wedges and serve. Enjoy this cheesy and comforting pasta dish!

This recipe should yield a delicious and visually impressive baked rigatoni pie. Enjoy your cooking!