BAKED RIGATONI WITH MINI MEATBALLS

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Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs image

For individual portions, place small, shallow baking dishes (each holding about 2 1/2 to 3 cups) on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the pasta mixture among them; top with cheese, then bake and broil.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, formed into 3/4-inch meatballs
4 cloves garlic, minced (5 teaspoons)
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, pureed in a food processor
1/2 pound rigatoni
1/2 pound mozzarella, 1/2 cup cut into small cubes, the rest thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in a straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 45 seconds. Add pureed tomatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain pasta; return to pot and toss with sauce and cubed cheese.
  • Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish; cover with parchment-lined foil. Bake until bubbling, 15 minutes. Uncover; top with sliced cheese. Adjust oven to broil; cook until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and serve.

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