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Baked Caprese Rigatoni

Serves 8

40 min

Baked Caprese Rigatoni

Recipe GLPR8caaea97ef55e6

0.0(0)
Italian
Main Course
40 min
Servings: 8
Oven
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

This vibrant baked pasta dish brings together fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and melted cheese in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Rigatoni pasta is tossed with a combination of jarred tomato sauce and fresh diced tomatoes simmered with garlic and onion, then topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. A classic Italian-inspired comfort meal that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

1 pound uncooked rigatoni pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 12-ounce can crushed tomatoes

6 small fresh tomatoes, diced

2½ cups jarred tomato sauce

Salt and black pepper to taste

½ cup fresh basil, torn into ribbons

½ block grated mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

  2. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven broiler to high.

  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, until the onion becomes translucent.

  5. Add the canned crushed tomatoes and the fresh diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.

  6. Stir in half of the fresh basil ribbons and cook for an additional 1 minute to soften the basil slightly.

  7. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked, drained rigatoni to the tomato sauce mixture and stir gently to combine.

  8. Pour in the jarred tomato sauce and stir until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more sauce if desired—aim for a saucy, coating consistency.

  9. Transfer the entire pasta mixture to a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Distribute the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

  10. Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

  11. Remove from the broiler and garnish with the remaining fresh basil ribbons. Serve warm and enjoy.