1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni or penne until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vodka Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the N’duja, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spicy, flavorful fat to render.
3. Deglaze with Vodka:
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine, and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
4. Combine and Assemble for Baking:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vodka sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish.
- Spoon the Stracciatella cheese (or torn burrata pieces) evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake the Pasta:
- Drizzle the top of the pasta with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.
Tips:
- N’duja Substitutes: If you can’t find N’duja, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage or Calabrian chili paste for a similar flavor.
- Stracciatella Cheese: If you don’t have access to Stracciatella, burrata or fresh mozzarella can work as an alternative.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of N’duja and red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
Conclusion
This Baked Vodka Pasta with N’duja and Stracciatella is a decadent, comforting dish that brings together the richness of a creamy vodka sauce, the bold heat of N’duja, and the cool, creamy luxury of Stracciatella cheese. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the baked layer of melted cheese adding a beautiful finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests!