Quick Comfort Food

It is snowing tonight and that makes it a perfect night for comfort food.  

Nothing spells comfort better than pasta...and melted cheese.

deconstructed lasagna

Quicker than baked ziti or lasagna, this pasta dish is assembled in a skillet and then individual portions are placed under the broiler to melt a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella.  Speedy dinner for a busy week night.

Deconstructed Lasagna     makes 8 portions 

1 lb rigatoni

1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 26 oz jar marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried, crushed red pepper

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or more!)

1 cup ricotta cheese

optional chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano or thyme

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente.  Drain pasta.

Preheat broiler.

While pasta is cooking, brown sausage in heavy pot over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up large pieces with the back of a wooden spoon.  Add garlic, red pepper, and chopped fresh herbs if desired and saute until soft, 1-2 minutes.  Add marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.  Combine.  

Add drained pasta and mix until pasta is coated.  

Using oven-safe bowls, divide mixture into individual portions.  Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella.  

Place bowls under broiler and allow cheese to melt and turn slightly brown, about 1 1/2 minutes.  

Serve