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Creamy Rigatoni Bake

Creamy Rigatoni Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Rigatoni Bake recipe. Rich flavors and easy steps make it a family favorite tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g ground beef
  • 450 g Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 cans (425 g each) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (340 g) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 120 g butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 480 ml heavy cream
  • 170 g grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 120 ml reserved pasta water
  • 450 g rigatoni pasta
  • 200 g shredded mozzarella

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish (23 x 33 cm)
  • Wooden spoons and whisks

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish (23 x 33 cm).
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook rigatoni until al dente, reserving 120 ml of pasta water before draining.
  3. Brown ground beef, sausage, and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat, then stir in seasonings and sauces to simmer.
  4. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then add cream and Parmesan to create a smooth white sauce and mix in reserved pasta water.
  5. Toss rigatoni with the creamy white sauce and layer in the baking dish, topping with meat sauce and mozzarella.
  6. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Reserve pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking for better serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
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