*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                             BAKED RIGATONI

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Pasta                            Main dish
               Italian

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                       -----FOR THE SAUCE-----
    1/4   c            Olive oil
  2                    Garlic cloves,minced
    1/2   lg           Onion,finely chopped
    1/4   t            Hot-pepper flakes
  1       cn           Tomato paste (12 oz)
  3       c            Water
  1       cn           Plum tomatoes (14 1/2 oz)
  1       t            Dried oregano
  1       t            Dried basil
  1       t            Salt,or to taste
  1       T            Sugar

                       -----FOR THE FILLING-----
  1       lb           Ricotta cheese
  1       T            Parsley
  2                    Eggs,lightly beaten
                       Pepper to taste
    3/4   c            Shredded mozzarella cheese
    3/4   c            Grated Parmesan cheese

 To make the sauce: Heat oven to 350°F. In a pot, heat oil and saute
 garlic, onions and hot-pepper flakes until golden.

 Stir in tomato paste. Rinse can with the water and add to pot. Simmer
 30 minutes.

 Add all the remaining ingredients. Simmer at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
 If you have more time, let it simmer even a little longer.

 To make the filling: Combine ricotta, pepper, parsley and eggs in
 medium bowl. Mix thoroughly. Reserve cheeses.

 To assemble the casserole: Cook rigatoni according to package
 directions, but reduce cooking time by two minutes. Do not overcook.

 Spread sauce over the bottom of a 9x13x2" baking dish. Top with a
 layer of pasta. Top pasta with a little more sauce, then several
 spoons full of ricotta mixture. Spoon together with the back of a
 large spoon. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Top with a
 layer of pasta and repeat process, ending with Parmesan this time.
 Then repeat, ending with mozzarella, etc. Finish with a layer of
 pasta.

 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or for about 15 minutes after it begins to
 bubble around edges. Ricotta will rise to top; it should be slightly
 set. Allow to stand 10-15 minutes before serving. Serves six to eight.

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