Baked Italian Sunset Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked Italian Sunset Pasta is a comforting, layered pasta dish bursting with rich meat sauce, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto. This easy casserole brings bold Italian flavors together for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Mezzi Rigatoni
• 4-5 Cups Meat Sauce (use your own recipe or follow mine HERE)
• 6.5 Oz Jar Pesto
• 16 Oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (divided)
• 1-2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1-2 Tablespoons Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
3. Step 3: Warm up the meat sauce and stir in the drained pasta until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Generously butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture into the dish and sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Layer the thinly sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
6. Step 6: Dollop the pesto over the mozzarella and smooth it out gently with the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Add the remaining pasta on top of the pesto layer and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake on the center rack of the oven for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Step 9: Let it cool slightly before garnishing with parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with marinara or a vegetable-based sauce.
• Fresh basil can be used instead of parsley for garnish to add a fragrant touch.
• Use smoked mozzarella for a deeper flavor twist.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the pasta for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish does not freeze well due to the fresh mozzarella layer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to enjoy.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Mezzi rigatoni is ideal since its ridges hold the sauce well, but you can also use penne or ziti as alternatives.

Baked Italian Sunset Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Italian Sunset Pasta is a comforting, layered pasta dish featuring mezzi rigatoni tossed in a savory meat sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this recipe brings a flavorful Italian-inspired casserole perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 Pound Mezzi Rigatoni

Sauce and Cheese

• 4–5 Cups Meat Sauce (use your own recipe or follow mine)
• 6.5 Oz Jar Pesto
• 16 Oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (divided)

Other Ingredients

• 1–2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1–2 Tablespoons Parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the mezzi rigatoni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Warm up your prepared meat sauce. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Layer Base: Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish generously. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta layer.
5. Add Mozzarella: Arrange thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese side by side over the Parmesan-covered pasta layer.
6. Apply Pesto: Spoon dollops of pesto evenly over the mozzarella layer. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the pesto gently over the cheese.
7. Top with Remaining Pasta: Spread the remaining pasta mixture evenly over the pesto layer. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious baked Italian sunset pasta!

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat sauce with marinara or a vegetable-based sauce.
• Allow the pasta to rest for a few minutes after baking to set layers and enhance flavors.
• You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled.
• For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: baked pasta, Italian pasta casserole, mozzarella pasta bake, meat sauce pasta, pesto pasta bake, comfort food, Italian dinner