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Stuffed Rigatoni Pie (Paccheri): A Show-Stopping Italian Feast
When it comes to comforting Italian dishes, few can rival the bold, hearty goodness of Stuffed Rigatoni Pie, also known as Paccheri Pie. This visually stunning and incredibly satisfying dish combines large, tube-shaped pasta (paccheri) stuffed with a delicious filling, layered in a rich marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or simply as a fun new way to enjoy pasta, this Stuffed Rigatoni Pie is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into why this dish is so irresistible and how you can easily recreate it in your kitchen.
What Is Stuffed Rigatoni Pie (Paccheri)?
Stuffed Rigatoni Pie is a showstopping twist on traditional pasta casseroles and baked ziti. Paccheri are large, ridged pasta tubes that are perfect for stuffing with a variety of delicious fillings, such as ricotta cheese, spinach, or ground meat. Once the rigatoni is stuffed and arranged in a pie-like formation, it’s covered with marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked until bubbling and golden.
This dish is both visually impressive and incredibly satisfying, combining all the best elements of lasagna, stuffed pasta, and baked ziti into one easy-to-serve pie. The rich, cheesy filling paired with the sturdy, tube-shaped pasta gives each bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Rigatoni Pie
- Impressive Presentation: The stacked, circular arrangement of stuffed rigatoni makes this dish look as impressive as it tastes. It’s perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or special occasions.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Filled with cheese, marinara sauce, and your choice of savory fillings, this dish is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together.
- Customizable: Whether you’re vegetarian or prefer a meaty filling, you can easily adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Easy to Make: While the idea of a “pie” may sound complicated, this dish is actually quite easy to prepare. It’s mostly about cooking the pasta, preparing the filling, and layering everything together for baking.
Ingredients for Stuffed Rigatoni Pie (Paccheri)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Stuffed Rigatoni Pie:
For the Stuffed Rigatoni:
- 1 pound paccheri pasta (rigatoni works as a substitute if you can’t find paccheri)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked spinach, well-drained and chopped (or sautéed spinach)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Stuffed Rigatoni Pie (Paccheri)
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