My family’s most requested meal

It’s not always easy pleasing everyone at the dinner table, especially when kids are involved. And my own 2 can be insanely picky! But there is one meal that is always a huge hit with everyone in my house (and with the neighborhood kids) that is relatively easy (except for one tedious part, but you can do it). The meal? Baked rigatoni pie!

 

What You’ll Need:

Springform pan. I use a 10 inch (get them here- Hiware Springform Pan Set of 3 Non-stick Cheesecake Pan)

1.5 lbs of rigatoni (if using a 10 inch springform pan)

1 jar of store bought marinara or home made (if you have the time). I usually use Rao’s sauce. You can also do a meat sauce

2.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until about al dente (I do 8 minutes). Drain pasta and RINSE or mix a little EVOO so it doesn’t stick
3. Here comes the tedious part. Use your hands to stand each piece of rigatoni upright in the springform pan until entire base is covered
4. Pour your sauce all over the top, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and bake for 15 minutes
5. Sprinkle the top with the Parm and mozzarella cheeses (I sprinkle a little more Italian seasoning on top) and bake another 15 minutes
6. Enjoy!

*Tip: Let the pie sit for 5-10 minutes before taking side off the pan so it doesn’t fall apart