Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a 12” cast-iron skillet (or baking dish), add the tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well. Arrange the oregano sprigs, thyme sprigs, and butter into the crevices. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 2

After about 1 hour, drop the rigatoni into a pot of boiling, salted water. Cook for 1 minute less than the package’s instructions.

Step 3

Remove the tomatoes from the oven and discard the herbs. Transfer the entire mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Wipe out the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Drain the rigatoni. Add the rigatoni and blended sauce back into the pot. Simmer for a minute, stirring often. Mix in the parmesan cheese and let melt.

Step 5

Raise the oven to 450°F. Pour the rigatoni and sauce into the skillet. Top with the shredded and fresh mozzarella. Bake for 8 minutes. Broil on high for 1-2 more minutes until golden. Serve with a pinch of salt & freshly cracked pepper over top.