SIMPLE BAKED RIGATONI

Simple Baked Rigatoni image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 11

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2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves large garlic, finely chopped
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cans (28 ounces each) sunpeeled crushed tomatoes in puree
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound rigatoni
1 1/2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt. Add rigatoni; cook until just al dente. Drain; rinse under cold water. Stir together ricotta and half of mozzarella in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce on bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add half of rigatoni; spread into an even layer. Top with 1 cup sauce and the ricotta mixture, spreading with a rubber spatula to cover. Top with remaining rigatoni and 1 1/2 cups sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top to cover. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese has melted, 35 to 40 minutes.