3 Cheese Rigatoni Pie

I have seen this recipe on Pinterest many times, so I thought it was time to pull the trigger.

Basically, it's lasagna.  

Just a lot more fun!

First, take 1 lb of rigatoni and cook it until it is almost done.  

Save the last bit of cooking for the oven.

Drain the pasta and run cold water over it, or an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Grease a 9 inch springform pan, and put the pasta, standing on its end, to fill the pan.

Now for the cheese.  Combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), and egg and

some parmesan cheese and spread it over the top.  Take some time to

try to get some of the cheese into the middle of the pasta.  You want to end up with filled tubes.

Next is the meat.  I chose to go with turkey, but beef or pork is probably more traditional. 

Either use a jar of spaghetti sauce, or make your own like I did.  So easy.  Can of whole peeled tomatoes, fresh oregano and garlic.  Simmer for a while, then put it through a food mill.

Combine the meat and tomato sauce and spread that on top of the cheese layer.

Take some more time to push some of this down into the pasta.

Put this into a 400 degree oven and cook for 15 minutes.  Add a layer of mozzarella cheese

and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Run a knife around the edge to lessen, and remove the springform sides.

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The pasta should hold up and has magically transformed into several mini lasagnas!

  

This was so cool and a big hit with my son.

Tons left over for lunch and I am calling this a successful meal.

Flock fed!