:: baked rigatoni ::

this is my favorite way

to serve pasta with marinara.

baked, with big tubes of rigatoni

and lovely fresh cheese.

i use this recipe for the marinara.

i make a giant batch of sauce in advance

and freeze it in 32 ounce containers.

{i take it out of the freezer in the morning to thaw}

:: baked rigatoni ::

preheat oven to 350°

heat 32 ounces of your favorite marinara

in an oven-safe pot {mine is le creuset}.

heat 8 ounces of half & half, then add to sauce.

cook & drain 1lb of rigatoni,

then add to the sauce pot,

gently stirring to combine.

add dollops of ricotta,

slices of fresh mozzarella, 

and freshly grated parmesan.

bake uncovered, until bubbly & melty

{25-30 minutes}

serve with crusty bread, an awesome salad

{here's a salad dressing recipe},

and a bottle of red wine.

you deserve it, don't you?

♥