step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
step 2
Chop the Shallot (1) into 1/4 inch pieces and put into a medium bowl.
step 3
Mince the Garlic (3 cloves) add 1/3 to the bowl. Set aside remaining garlic.
step 4
Discard the stem, pith and seeds of the Red Bell Pepper (1). Cut into 1/4 inch dice; add to bowl.
step 5
Remove the Fresh Parsley (3 Tbsp) leaves from the stems; discard stems. Chop ½ the leaves. Save remaining leaves whole for garnish.
step 6
Cut the Spanish Chorizo (2) and ONLY ½ of the Smoked Ham (3 oz) into 1/4 inch pieces; set aside.
step 7
Heat a medium saucepot over medium-high. When hot, add the chorizo and ham and cook for 3 minutes; hold for next step.
step 8
In a large saucepot over high, add Water (8 cups) and Salt (2 tsp) bring to a boil. Add the Rigatoni (8 oz), stir. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta in a colander.
step 9
Return the pasta to the pot, drizzle with a little Olive Oil, and toss. Cover and hold.
step 10
While the pasta is cooking, add the shallot, garlic and red bell pepper mixture to the chorizo and ham; reduce the heat to medium. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.
step 11
Add Tomato Sauce (1 cup), White Cooking Wine (2 Tbsp), Dried Basil (as needed), Dried Oregano (as needed), Paprika (as needed), Salt (as needed), and Ground Black Pepper (as needed). Cook for 5 minutes.
step 12
Reduce heat to low, add Whipping Cream (1/3 cup) and the reserved pasta water; stir until combined. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
step 13
Pour the tomato cream sauce over the rigatoni. Stir in the Parmesan Cheese (4 Tbsp). Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle the Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/3 cups), evenly over the top and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese starts to turn a golden brown.
step 14
Cut the Baguettes (2) into 1 inch thick slices at a 45 degree angle.
step 15
Combine Butter (4 Tbsp) remaining garlic, parsley, Olive Oil (2 Tbsp), Salt (as needed), and Ground Black Pepper (as needed) in a small bowl.
step 16
Spread garlic mixture on one side of each baguette slice; place on baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread has browned slightly.
step 17
Serve the baked rigatoni family-style, in the baking dish. Offer the garlic bread wrapped in a colorful cloth napkin in a basket or on a plate. Serve and enjoy!
