Cheesy Rigatoni Pizza Pie
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of pasta and pizza with this Cheesy Rigatoni Pizza Pie recipe. This dish features al dente rigatoni pasta packed tightly into a savory crust, generously layered with rich meat sauce, melty mozzarella, and flavorful pepperoni. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan, this pie is baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering. Perfect for pizza lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike, this rigatoni pie is a comforting meal that will delight your family and friends.
8
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon plus additional for greasing (for greasing the pan)
kosher salt
to taste (for cooking the pasta)
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
parmesan cheese
1 cup and 2 tablespoons (finely grated)
sauce with meat
2 1/2 cups (heated)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (coarsely grated)
pepperoni
2 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it until al dente, about 3-4 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
Allow the pasta to cool slightly, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the pasta with 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
4
Pack the prepared pasta tightly into the springform pan, standing each piece on end to create a crust-like effect. Be sure to fill in any gaps between the pasta.
5
Pour the heated meat sauce generously over the packed pasta, gently pushing it into the holes to ensure every bite is flavorful.
6
Sprinkle the coarsely grated mozzarella evenly over the top of the sauce. Layer the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
7
Carefully transfer the pizza pie to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, and the edges of the rigatoni are golden and crisp.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese over the top.
9
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it. Unmold the pie carefully and slice into wedges. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
35g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Rigatoni Pizza Pie?
It is a fusion dish where rigatoni pasta is packed upright in a pan, topped with meat sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then baked like a pie.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long does the Rigatoni Pizza Pie need to bake?
It needs to bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
What type of pan should I use?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
Why do I need to cook the pasta for less time than the package says?
Cooking the pasta for 3-4 minutes less ensures it stays al dente and doesn't become mushy during the baking process.
How do I arrange the rigatoni in the pan?
Stand each piece of pasta on its end, packing them tightly together to create a solid base for the sauce and cheese.
What is the purpose of tossing the pasta with parmesan and olive oil?
This helps the pasta pieces stick together to form a crust and adds extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the meat sauce with a marinara sauce and omit the pepperoni.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for coarsely grated mozzarella and finely grated parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the rigatoni with another pasta?
Rigatoni is best because of its shape and size, but you could use large penne or ziti as a substitute.
How long should the pie rest after baking?
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before unmolding and slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
How do I prevent the pan from leaking in the oven?
Place the springform pan on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
How do I ensure the sauce goes inside the pasta tubes?
Pour the sauce generously over the top and gently push it into the holes with a spoon or spatula.
Can I use store-bought meat sauce?
Yes, 2.5 cups of your favorite heated meat sauce will work perfectly.
Is it necessary to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan with olive oil prevents the pasta from sticking to the sides.
Can I add extra toppings?
Certainly! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives along with the pepperoni.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the pie?
Reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain the crisp edges.
Can I freeze the rigatoni pizza pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What sides go well with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the cheese is browning too fast?
If the cheese browns too quickly, you can loosely cover the top with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of grated?
You can, but low-moisture grated mozzarella is better for achieving a bubbly, pizza-like topping.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it combines two favorite kid foods—pasta and pizza—making it a huge hit with families.
What type of salt should I use for the pasta water?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the boiling water.
How do I remove the pie from the springform pan?
Run a knife around the edge of the pan after it has rested for 10 minutes, then carefully unlatch and lift the ring.