Pasta Pie

I had such a great time making this dish! This is another recipe I found on a blog that I got super excited about! I changed a few things around but the majority was the same. 

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni pasta

2 T olive oil, divided

1 lb ground turkey

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

Nonstick cooking spray

1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

8 oz coarsely grated mozzarella

Directions

In a large pot of boiling water slightly undercook pasta according to directions on package. (My package said 10 minutes so I cooked mine for 8 minutes). When done, rinse in cold water and drain again. Toss with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to coat and set pasta aside.

Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and stir and break apart pieces until browned.  Add garlic, salt and pepper. (Don't make the same mistake as me by thinking the cinnamon was pepper :P )

Add crushed tomatoes and simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss pasta with parmesan cheese. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Tightly pack pasta into pan with each piece on end. Once that is complete, spread meat sauce on top of pasta.

Then push meat sauce into pasta holes filling each one up. I found it easiest using toothpicks, but use whatever works best for you! Once all the pasta holes are filled, place in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.

Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the pie...then unmold it! You can then cut it into wedges and serve with any meat sauce you may have remaining....I didn't have any extra because the more sauce the better!

Inspired by: Noblepig.com