Rigatoni al Aurora
Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of Rigatoni al Aurora, a comforting pasta dish that features a luscious Aurora sauce—an exquisite blend of béchamel, fresh cream, and tomato puree. This family-friendly recipe is quick to prepare and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. With its deliciously baked, golden topping of Parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also provides a delightful dining experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, you'll find yourself making this dish again and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Butter
8 tablespoons (divided)
Flour
4 1/2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
2 1/2 cups (whole)
Tomato sauce
1 cup (preferably homemade)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Toasted breadcrumbs
8 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter until bubbly.
2
Gradually whisk in the flour, mixing continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
3
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
4
Remove the béchamel sauce from heat and stir in the tomato sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5
In a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return to the pot.
6
Pour the Aurora sauce over the pasta, then add 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture into a generously buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
In a small bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with the toasted breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.
9
Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rigatoni al Aurora?
Rigatoni al Aurora is a comforting Italian baked pasta dish featuring a creamy Aurora sauce made from a blend of béchamel and tomato sauce.
What are the main ingredients in Aurora sauce?
The sauce is composed of butter, flour, and milk (forming a béchamel) which is then mixed with tomato sauce.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of butter, divided between the sauce and the topping.
How do you make the base of the sauce?
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 4.5 tablespoons of flour for about 2 minutes until golden.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2.5 cups of whole milk for the creamiest consistency.
How do I prevent lumps in the béchamel sauce?
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
When should I add the tomato sauce?
Stir in the tomato sauce after the béchamel has thickened and been removed from the heat.
How much pasta is used in this recipe?
One pound (1 lb) of uncooked rigatoni pasta is used.
How should the rigatoni be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
A total of 1.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese is needed for the dish.
How is the Parmesan divided in the recipe?
3/4 cup is tossed directly with the pasta and sauce, while the remaining 3/4 cup is used for the topping.
What provides the crunch on top of the baked pasta?
A mixture of 8 teaspoons of toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates the golden topping.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The pasta should bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the final indicator that the dish is ready?
The top should be golden brown and the sauce should be bubbling.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 cup of tomato sauce, preferably homemade.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 4.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How do you prepare the baking dish?
The baking dish should be generously buttered before adding the pasta mixture.
What are some tags associated with this dish?
Common tags include pasta, baked pasta, aurora sauce, Italian cuisine, and comfort food.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners.
What seasonings are used in the Aurora sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I finish the topping before baking?
After sprinkling the breadcrumbs and cheese, dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What is the texture of the Aurora sauce?
It is described as a luscious, creamy, and rich sauce.
Should the breadcrumbs be toasted beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 8 teaspoons of toasted breadcrumbs.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While the recipe specifies rigatoni, you could use similar shapes, though rigatoni is preferred for holding the heavy Aurora sauce.
Is there a specific way to toss the pasta with the sauce?
The pasta should be tossed gently to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the sauce and cheese.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot, immediately after baking.
What makes this dish a good choice for casual gatherings?
Its ease of preparation, comforting flavors, and baked presentation make it ideal for casual social settings.