Baked Rigatoni

I have served this baked rigatoni to my Italian friends, who say it takes them back to their mothers’ and grandmothers’ cooking. It is comfort food at its best. You can substitute Italian sausage for the pork sausage for a spicier version, and cheddar cheese for a nontraditional, sharper flavor. If you opt for cheddar, the pasta will no longer remind an Italian of home cooking. This is an excellent dish for a party because it can be prepared up to the point of final assembly days in advance.