Creamy Dreamy Ricotta Pasta Bake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper comfort food hug? Honestly, who doesn't love a ricotta pasta bake ? It’s like getting a warm, cheesy cuddle right on your plate.

Brief Overview

This Italian baked pasta dish hails from the heart of family kitchens. Think of it as a cheesy love letter.

It's proper easy to make. Ready in under an hour. It feeds about 6-8 hungry mouths.

Main Benefits

It's brimming with protein, thanks to the ricotta cheese recipes , so it’s not all just pure indulgence. It’s absolutely perfect for a cosy family dinner or when you've got mates coming over.

This cheesy pasta bake is special because it's so adaptable. You can bung in whatever you fancy.

The Magic of Ricotta

Let's be real. Ricotta is the star. It brings this creamy texture that you just can't beat. Have you ever had a dish where the ricotta wasn't top-notch? It’s a disaster, right? Makes all the difference.

The Pasta Lowdown

We're using rigatoni in this baked rigatoni recipe. It holds that sauce like nobody's business! But you could use penne or ziti. Honestly, whatever’s lurking in your cupboard.

Why This Recipe Rocks

It’s an easy weeknight dinner pasta that everyone loves. I once made this when my cousin came to visit, and he devoured the whole dish.

Even had seconds! It’s that good. This isn't just some bog-standard comfort food pasta bake . It's a taste of home.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Amazing Ricotta Pasta Bake

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing ricotta pasta bake . This cheesy pasta bake is pure comfort. Trust me, it is an easy weeknight dinner

Main Ingredients for this Italian Baked Pasta

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Good quality makes a difference.
• Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup, approx. 150g). Get a nice firm one.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons, approx. 6g). Fresh is best!.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). San Marzano tomatoes rock.
• Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Plain old tomato sauce works.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Dried basil: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml).
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) (Optional, for a bit of zing!).
• Pasta: 1 pound (454g) penne, rigatoni, or ziti. I love rigatoni.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Fresh ricotta makes all the difference!.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (30g). Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml).
• Black pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (0.625 ml).
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (225g). Melts beautifully.

Seasoning Secrets for Your Cheesy Pasta Bake

Oregano and basil are must haves. They are essential for a good Italian baked pasta flavor. Red pepper flakes give a little kick.

This comfort food pasta bake is easily adjustable. A pinch of sugar balances acidity. Garlic powder can sub for fresh garlic.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

• Large pot: For boiling pasta. Any large pot will do.
• Large skillet or saucepan: To simmer the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish ( 23x33 cm ): For the bake itself.
• Mixing bowl: For the ricotta cheese recipes mix.

Don’t stress if you are missing something. A smaller baking dish works. I used a 8x8 inch once. You can mix in the pasta pot too.

Making the spinach ricotta bake is a joy, using the right equipment!

Cooking Method: Mastering the Ricotta Pasta Bake

Alright, let's talk about nailing that Ricotta Pasta Bake . It's proper comfort food. I mean, who doesn't love a cheesy pasta bake ? Honestly, it's easier than you think.

No need to feel intimidated. This is the ultimate comfort food pasta bake . It's a hug in a dish, you know?

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Firstly, you gotta get your mise en place sorted. Chop one onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese .

Shred the mozzarella cheese . Have 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce ready to go.

This is time saving. Trust me.

step-by-step: Bake it Like a Boss

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onion until soft. About 5 minutes will do.
2. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute . Smells amazing, right?
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes . Give it an occasional stir.
4. Cook 1 pound pasta. Until al dente , mind. Drain it well.
5. Mix 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine the cooked pasta and sauce. Make sure it's all coated.
7. Layer half the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Then, spread ricotta mixture. Top with remaining pasta and 2 cups mozzarella.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the top golden brown. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta Game

Firstly, don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key. It will continue to cook in the oven. Soggy pasta is a no-go.

Use good quality ricotta. Honestly, it makes a difference. A great Italian baked pasta starts with great ingredients. And if you fancy a Spinach Ricotta Bake , throw in some sauteed spinach.

It's tasty. If you want to get even more creative, try adding some sausage to the tomato sauce for a meat lover's experience.

You can find this easy weeknight dinner pasta recipe in other forms such as Baked Rigatoni . For a quick pasta bake recipe easy , you can use pre-made pasta sauce to make the process even faster.

If you are looking for Ricotta Cheese Recipes there are many varieties that you will enjoy. You know? Baked Ricotta is just the bomb! So there you have it.

Give it a whirl. Let me know what you think.

Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Ricotta Pasta Bake

Right, so you're ready to whip up this ricotta pasta bake . Honestly, it's easier than putting up an Ikea bookshelf.

Here are a few extra bits and bobs to help you ace it!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating!

Okay, so this cheesy pasta bake is already a winner. But presentation matters, right? Why not portion it into individual ramekins for a fancy feel? Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

Boom! You’re practically Nigella Lawson. A simple side salad of peppery rocket with balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness perfectly.

A chilled glass of Italian Pinot Grigio also does the trick, you know?

Storage Tips: Making the Most of Leftovers

This comfort food pasta bake is usually scoffed down in one sitting, but if you have any left, lucky you! For refrigeration, just pop it in an airtight container.

It’ll keep for up to three days. Want to freeze it? No problem! Divide it into portions first. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until heated through. Make sure it's piping hot! You can even microwave it, if you're impatient.

I am totally!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy making this a spinach ricotta bake ? Wilt a couple of handfuls of spinach and stir it through the ricotta mix.

Feeling meaty? Add some cooked Italian sausage to the sauce! For a lighter version, try using part skim ricotta cheese. Honestly, this pasta bake recipe easy enough to tweak to your heart's content.

Using gluten-free pasta is an awesome choice too.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About the Good Stuff

Each serving of this yummy ricotta pasta bake packs a punch. Think approximately 450-550 calories, 25-30 grams of protein, and a good dose of calcium from the ricotta.

Plus, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, so you're practically eating a superfood. Okay, maybe not quite , but it's definitely not just empty carbs.

It's a pretty good easy weeknight dinner recipe , even if it’s not exactly rabbit food!

So, there you have it! A few extra tips to make your baked rigatoni magnifico ! Don't be afraid to experiment.

Have fun. Enjoy the process. Now go forth and bake! You’ve got this!