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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Mozzarella: Arrange thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese side by side over the Parmesan-covered pasta layer.
- 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.
- Top with Remaining Pasta: Spread the remaining pasta mixture evenly over the pesto layer. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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
