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Baked Turkey Riggies
On December 24, 2023 by userTurkey Riggies is a lighter version of the classic Utica, New York dish “Chicken Riggies,” which typically features chicken and rigatoni pasta in a spicy and creamy tomato sauce. Here’s a recipe for Baked Turkey Riggies:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Turkey:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the turkey and pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Baked Turkey Riggies warm as a comforting and flavorful meal.
Enjoy this lighter twist on the classic Chicken Riggies with the leaner option of ground turkey. The combination of a creamy tomato sauce, pasta, and melted cheese makes for a satisfying and delicious baked dish.