Baked Rigatoni

When you want a hot and delicious dinner that does not take forever to prep or bake this should be your go to option...baked Rigatoni!

Ingredients

1 box Rigatoni Noodles

1 jar Pasta Sauce

1 Onion diced

3 cloves of garlic finely minced

1 package shredded cheese-whatever you prefer-Mozzarella, Mexican 4 cheese blend is what I used and you can top with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Seasonings can be whatever you prefer in the amount that you like:

Oregano

Sea salt

Basil

Cracked Black Pepper

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Rosemary

Thyme

Onion powder

Garlic powder

Italian Seasonings combo

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add a drop of EVOO to it and set it on a medium heat until it boils

2. Using a large pan I used a 14x10 but you can choose a size that is good for you

3. Oil the pan with a brush using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4. Place your sauce into a separate pot and you can add your diced onion and minced garlic and seasonings to the sauce and the sugar and set on a low heat and stir frequently until it is bubbling hot. Then take off the heat and set aside.

5. Place your Rigatoni noodles into the boiling water and allow to cook until al dente approximately 7-10 minutes and then pour the noodles into a collander and drain.

6. Pour the Rigatoni into your oiled pan and add a couple of pats of butter or margerine and gently stir the noodles and spread evenly in the pan.

7. Now toss a few seasonings directly onto the pasta whichever ones you like.

8. Sprinkle half of your package of cheese on top of the pasta.

9. Using a large spoon or ladel place the sauce onto the pasta and spread evenly.

10. Now add the rest of the cheese and sprinkle it generously .

11. Place your pan into your 350 degree preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until all your cheese is nice and bubbly...be careful not to overbake your Rigatoni.

12. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 5 minutes then serve.

13. Serving suggestion-a lovely salad with fresh bread sticks and a nice dry red wine would go very nicely with this meal.

Enjoy!!