Ingredients
- 1 pound of paccheri rigati pasta
- For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 diced onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the filling:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the paccheri rigati pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano and dried basil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Filling
1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix everything together until well combined.
Assembling and Baking
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take each cooked paccheri rigati pasta tube and stuff it gently with the cheese filling mixture.
3. Place the stuffed pasta tubes in a baking dish, arranging them side by side.
4. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed pasta, ensuring each tube is coated.
5. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving and Enjoying
1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve the paccheri rigati hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
3. Enjoy this delicious and impressive dish with your loved ones!
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking paccheri rigati, it’s time to show off your culinary skills. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with all the knowledge you need to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. So, put on your chef’s hat, gather the ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with this amazing pasta dish!