Creamy Rigatoni: A Comforting and Delicious Baked Pasta Dish

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in some leftovers, this Creamy Rigatoni is exactly what you need. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• (2) 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 12-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil

For the Creamy White Sauce:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 16 ounces heavy cream
• 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup pasta water

For the Pasta:

• 16-ounce box Rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the Rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender.
2. Drain any excess fat and return the mixture to the pan.
3. Sprinkle the meat mixture with garlic powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Make the Creamy White Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
4. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir the reserved pasta water into the cheese sauce to thin it slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

1. Add the cooked Rigatoni pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Pour the pasta and cheese sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
2. Serve the creamy baked Rigatoni with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Quick Tips

• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and sausage and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite meat substitutes.
• Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 550 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8 servings

This Creamy Rigatoni is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and melted cheese makes this dish irresistible. Enjoy this baked pasta masterpiece with your loved ones!

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