# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb rigatoni
→ Cheese Filling
02 - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - ½ teaspoon dried basil
16 - ½ teaspoon sugar
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ To Assemble
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing and brushing
19 - Extra parsley for garnish
20 - Additional grated Parmesan for garnish
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Boil rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until very al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
04 - Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth.
05 - Stand rigatoni upright, tightly packed, in the prepared pan. Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each tube generously with the cheese mixture.
06 - Pour tomato sauce evenly over the filled pasta, allowing it to seep between the noodles. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
07 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
08 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before releasing the springform pan. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Cut into wedges and serve.
