To make this twist on traditional baked pasta, we start with creamy goat cheese and build from there with mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheese. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- Torn fresh basil, optional
Description
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain; transfer to a bowl.
- In same stockpot, cook and crumble sausage with red pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add cream; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat until sauce thickens slightly, 5-8 minutes. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, goat cheese, egg and seasonings.
- Stir rigatoni into meat sauce. Spread 3 cups into each of two greased 11x7-in. baking dishes. Top each with half of cheese mixture, then half of remaining pasta mixture.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, until cheeses are melted, about 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with basil.
