The holiday season is truly upon us, bringing with it a whirlwind of joy, gatherings, and, inevitably, a packed schedule. As November quickly fades into December, every spare moment becomes precious. I find myself constantly searching for clever ways to save time, especially when it comes to preparing meals. Fewer dishes to wash and a quicker path to a delicious dinner mean more time for holiday planning, decorating, and, most importantly, enjoying quality moments with family and friends. Today, I’m thrilled to share an incredibly easy and mouth-watering Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs recipe, first featured in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfectly suited for those bustling weeknights during the festive season.

Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs: A Delightfully Simple Recipe for Busy Times

Get ready to exclaim “Hello YUM!!!” This recipe is an absolute winner. The December issue of Martha Stewart Living is always a treasure trove of inspiring holiday and time-saving ideas. One particular article that caught my eye was “Flavor-Packed Pasta” on page 94, which highlighted four ingenious pasta recipes, each requiring only five core ingredients! It was here that I stumbled upon this brilliant Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs recipe. The magazine even includes convenient, pull-out recipe cards, making it effortless to plan quick and delicious dinners.

Preparing this Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs was an absolute cinch, and the delightful aroma that permeated our home was simply incredible. When my husband, John, walked through the door, his exact words were, “I don’t know what you are cooking, but I know I am going to love it from how good the house smells!” That immediate seal of approval truly speaks volumes about the inviting nature of this dish.

Why This Baked Rigatoni is Your Go-To for Effortless Entertaining & Everyday Meals

In our household, pasta is a fundamental go-to for quick and easy dinners that everyone adores. I always make sure to keep Barilla® pasta readily stocked in the pantry. The beauty of a pasta meal is its versatility and minimal fuss. Simply toss together some quality pasta, a savory sauce, and perhaps a few fresh veggies, and you not only have a satisfying dinner but often perfect leftovers for the next day. This particular recipe excels in that regard; John loves taking the remaining portions to work. Furthermore, the fact that pasta dishes typically require fewer dishes to clean up is always a significant win-win in my book!

A Nod to Martha Stewart’s Wisdom: Simplicity in Culinary Excellence

The genius of Martha Stewart’s “five-ingredient” concept is perfectly embodied in this dish. It demonstrates that you don’t need an extensive list of components to create something truly spectacular. By focusing on a few high-quality ingredients, this recipe maximizes flavor while minimizing effort, making it ideal for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, especially when time is of the essence during the holiday rush. It’s a testament to the idea that thoughtful ingredient selection can yield profound culinary results.

On a slightly whimsical tangent, while doing an unrelated online search for items within the Whim by Martha Stewart Collection, I unexpectedly discovered pink flamingo sheets. Yes, pink flamingo sheets! Though entirely unrelated to the topic of Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs, I instantly knew they had to be a part of my life. I’m quite certain they’ll magically appear on our doorstep and grace our bed very soon. How incredibly fun would it be to cuddle up with pink flamingos every single night? But let’s refocus… back to this absolutely killer pasta recipe!

Unpacking the Flavors: What Makes This Dish Irresistible

This Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of robust Italian flavors and comforting textures. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and gooey melted mozzarella creates an incredibly satisfying and deeply flavorful experience. Each element plays a crucial role in building a dish that feels both gourmet and homey.

The Core Ingredients: A Symphony of Simplicity

Let’s delve into the star players that make up this straightforward yet impressive recipe:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the aromatic base for the entire dish. A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only aids in cooking the meatballs but also infuses a subtle, peppery richness that elevates all other flavors.
• Spicy Italian Sausage: The heart and soul of this pasta. By removing the casings and forming the sausage into small, bite-sized meatballs, you ensure that every forkful carries that irresistible, savory, and slightly spicy kick. If you prefer a milder taste, sweet Italian sausage can be an excellent substitute, offering a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
• Garlic: No Italian-inspired dish is complete without the pungent, aromatic contribution of fresh garlic. Minced and lightly sautéed, it releases a fragrance that promises a delicious meal ahead and layers the sauce with essential depth.
• Whole Peeled Tomatoes (Canned): These are the foundation of your vibrant, fresh-tasting tomato sauce. Pureeing them in a food processor creates a smooth, consistent base that clings beautifully to the pasta and meatballs. Opting for high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, can make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your sauce.
• Rigatoni: The ideal pasta shape for this baked dish. Its large, ribbed, tubular form is specifically designed to capture and hold chunky sauces and those delightful mini meatballs, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. Rigatoni also stands up well to baking, maintaining its integrity without becoming mushy.
• Mozzarella: The creamy, melty element that brings everything together. Using both cubed mozzarella (mixed into the pasta for pockets of gooeyness) and thinly sliced mozzarella (for a golden, bubbly topping) creates that irresistible, cheesy crust synonymous with a perfect baked pasta.

Tips for Success & Variations for Your Palate

Making this Baked Rigatoni recipe is straightforward, but a few additional tips can elevate your experience:

• Meatball Consistency: Ensure your mini meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning them; work in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the rigatoni slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming too soft after baking.
• Make it Your Own:
  • Add Vegetables: Sauté finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor. A handful of fresh spinach can be stirred into the sauce just before baking.
  • Herb Power: Fresh basil or oregano stirred into the sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving, will brighten the flavors considerably.
  • Cheese Please: Experiment with a blend of cheeses! A touch of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano mixed in with the mozzarella or sprinkled on top before broiling can add extra depth.
  • Spice Level: If you enjoy more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic. For less heat, substitute the spicy Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this hearty dish with a crisp, simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is an excellent candidate for making ahead. Assemble the entire dish (without broiling the top cheese) and refrigerate it, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.

Discover More Delicious Pasta Recipes from Tammilee Tips

If this easy and satisfying pasta dish has captured your culinary heart, you’ll be delighted to explore our other fantastic pasta creations! Whether you’re seeking quick weeknight solutions or comforting casseroles for family gatherings, we have something for everyone. Dive into these popular recipes:

• Tex Mex Velveeta Shells and Cheese: A creamy, zesty, and undeniably fun twist on classic mac and cheese.
• Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole: Indulge in pillowy soft gnocchi baked to perfection in a rich, cheesy sauce.
• Beef & Mushroom Pasta Casserole: A hearty and savory slow-cooked pasta bake that’s wonderfully hands-off.
• Slow Cooker Taco Pasta: All the vibrant flavors of your favorite taco night, transformed into an incredibly easy pasta dish.
• Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole: A timeless, family-friendly classic that comes together quickly and always pleases a crowd.

Beyond pasta, we invite you to explore our comprehensive recipe categories! Discover how to recreate your restaurant favorites with our copycat recipes, satisfy your sweet cravings with our delightful dessert recipes, and embrace the magic of convenient, slow-cooked meals with our ever-popular Crock-Pot Recipes. Happy cooking!

The Ultimate Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs Recipe

This delicious Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food, perfect for busy family dinners or entertaining. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Calories: 516 kcal per serving

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¾ lb Spicy Italian Sausage (casings removed, formed into approximately ¾-inch mini meatballs)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced, roughly 5 teaspoons)
• 28 oz Can Whole Peeled Tomatoes with their juice (pureed in a food processor until smooth)
• ½ lb Rigatoni (or a similar short, tubular pasta that can hold sauce well)
• ½ lb Mozzarella (half cut into small cubes for mixing, the remaining half thinly sliced for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a straight-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mini meatballs and cook, turning them occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on all sides, which typically takes about 8 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meatballs. Cook, stirring continuously, for approximately 45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Pour in the pureed whole peeled tomatoes along with their juice. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook, uncovered, for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
5. While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the empty pot.
6. Add the rich tomato and meatball sauce to the cooked rigatoni in the pot, along with the cubed mozzarella. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese is well distributed.
7. Transfer the entire pasta mixture into an 8-inch baking dish. Cover the dish securely with foil, preferably lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling vigorously around the edges.
9. Carefully remove the foil. Arrange the thinly sliced mozzarella evenly over the top of the baked rigatoni. Return the dish to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and turns a beautiful golden brown color. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Once removed from the oven, let the Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs cool for 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set and the flavors to further intensify. Serve hot and enjoy!

Kitchen Tools

• 8×8 inch Baking Dish
• Straight-Sided Skillet (for browning meatballs and making sauce)
• Large Pot (for cooking pasta)
• Food Processor (optional, for pureeing tomatoes)
• Parchment Paper

Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

The following nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.

• Calories: 516 kcal
• Calories from Fat: 261
• Total Fat: 29g (45% Daily Value*)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (75% Daily Value*)
• Cholesterol: 73mg (24% Daily Value*)
• Sodium: 829mg (36% Daily Value*)
• Potassium: 652mg (19% Daily Value*)
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g (13% Daily Value*)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (17% Daily Value*)
• Sugars: 7g (8% Daily Value*)
• Protein: 24g (48% Daily Value*)
• Vitamin A: 540IU (11% Daily Value*)
• Vitamin C: 14mg (17% Daily Value*)
• Calcium: 258mg (26% Daily Value*)
• Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value*)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

We sincerely hope this incredible Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs recipe brings warmth, comfort, and deliciousness to your table, especially during the joyous, yet often hectic, holiday season.

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Recipe originally published on December 9, 2016, and updated in October 2020. This rendition has been further enhanced and expanded for optimal readability and SEO performance in [Current Year].