Hearty Rigatoni Big Back Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Italian Delight!

Photo byVal Reed

There’s nothing like the comfort of a warm, hearty pasta dish, especially when it combines bold flavors with rich textures. Introducing the Rigatoni Big Back Pasta, a dish that brings together Italian tradition and a modern twist, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dinner table. With a mix of savory ground beef, mild Italian sausage, and creamy Alfredo sauce, this pasta is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that’s packed with flavor.

The beauty of this Rigatoni Big Back Pasta lies in its blend of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a well-seasoned tomato sauce, all topped with a rich and cheesy Alfredo layer. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table. Let’s dive into how you can make this fantastic pasta recipe step by step.

Recipe: Rigatoni Big Back Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3/4 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp nature seasoning
• 3 tsp beef bouillon seasoning
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 14.5 oz canned tomatoes
• 29 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups water or beef stock
• Rigatoni pasta
• Mozzarella cheese
• Alfredo sauce:
• • 2 tsp butter
  • 1 pt heavy cream
  • 2 tsp flour
  • 1 tsp nature seasoning
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 - 1/3 cup parmesan

Directions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
2. • Start by placing a pot on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking down the meat as it browns. Once browned, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes before adding minced garlic and seasoning.
   • Stir well and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
   • Add the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce to the mixture, followed by the brown sugar. Stir everything thoroughly, and then add salt and pepper to taste.
   • Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 30-45 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
3. Cook the Pasta:
4. • While your sauce is simmering, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 7-8 minutes).
   • Once cooked, strain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
6. • In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for a minute, creating a roux.
   • Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and nature seasoning, giving the sauce a good mix.
   • Once it reaches a simmer, add the parmesan cheese and stir until the Alfredo sauce reaches your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Pasta:
8. • Add the cooked rigatoni to the meat sauce, stirring until well combined.
   • In a casserole dish, layer half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle with a little mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta and sauce.
   • Pour the Alfredo sauce on top and finish with another layer of mozzarella.
9. Bake:
10. • Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 5 minutes to give the top a golden, bubbly finish.
11. Serve:
12. • Once out of the oven, let the pasta cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a perfect bite every time.

A Hearty Finale This Rigatoni Big Back Pasta brings comfort food to a new level with its robust flavors and creamy textures. The combination of the rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy Alfredo topping makes it a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a hearty meal to enjoy, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.

The Rigatoni Big Back Pasta recipe you shared combines bold flavors and rich ingredients like ground beef, mild Italian sausage, and a delicious Alfredo sauce topping, making it a truly hearty dish. This kind of baked pasta is a staple in Italian-American cuisine, known for its versatility and indulgence.

To enhance the dish, consider using fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded, as it melts better and gives a richer texture. You can also broil the pasta during the final minutes of baking to create a golden, bubbly cheese layer, which adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor​(Insanely Good Recipes)​(Bake It With Love).

For the Alfredo sauce, ensuring the consistency is creamy and smooth is key. Be sure to slowly whisk in the heavy cream after adding flour, preventing lumps. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when preparing the meat sauce​(Miss in the Kitchen)​(Allrecipes).

For variations, you can substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if those are more accessible. To add depth, consider mixing in extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or even layering ricotta cheese between the pasta for an extra creamy bite​(Dinner at the Zoo).

For further details on how to perfect your baked pasta dish, check out more comprehensive guides on websites like Insanely Good Recipes​(Insanely Good Recipes)or Dinner at the Zoo​(Dinner at the Zoo). These provide useful tips for making the dish ahead and suggestions for ingredient swaps based on your preferences.

Enjoy making this delicious pasta, and don't forget to add your personal touch to it!