Rigatoni Al Forno Recipe (with Video)

Preparation of Sauce
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Then add the olive oil, onion and carrot and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. Add the garlic, fennel seed powder and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the wine and simmer for 1 minute before adding the tomatoes and basil.
5. Stir and let simmer for at least 45 minutes…the longer the better.
6. Remember to salt as needed!
Preparation of Pasta
1. Bring to a boil a large pot of water and add your pasta, cooking about 2 minutes less than you normally would.
2. You want it a little underdone because it will finish in the oven later.
3. While your pasta is boiling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
4. When the pasta is done, drain it and place in a large bowl with the ricotta and tomato sauce.
Assembling and Baking
1. In an oven-safe dish, spoon in half of the pasta/sauce/cheese mixture.
2. Then cover with 1/2 of the mozzarella.
3. Spoon in the rest of the pasta and cover with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
4. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. The cheese should get bubbly and a little browned.
6. Let it rest for 30 minutes before digging in!