Description
“Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta
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Ingredients
400g rotini pasta
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy pasta bake perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Guide
For a foolproof cheesy baked rotini, follow this detailed sequence. First, always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. Cook the rotini for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests, as it will finish cooking in the oven. While the pasta boils, start your meat sauce. Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and garlic to prevent sticking. When browning the beef, break it into small, even crumbles for a consistent texture. After draining the grease, let the meat sauce simmer to deepen the flavors. When combining the pasta, sauce, and ricotta, do so while the pasta is still warm; this helps the ricotta distribute evenly. For assembly, a light coating of oil or non-stick spray on the baking dish is crucial.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple focaccia is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter side, consider roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. To elevate a casual dinner, serve with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta al dente. Brown beef with garlic, add marinara and seasonings. Mix pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta. Transfer to a dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked rotini ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative work well. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
Can I freeze the pasta bake? Absolutely. After assembling and cooling, wrap it well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
My ricotta didn’t mix in smoothly. What happened? This often occurs if the ricotta is too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing with the warm pasta and sauce.
Why is my finished bake dry? The most common cause is overcooking the pasta initially. Using al dente pasta and ensuring your sauce isn’t too thick before baking will keep it moist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta before baking: It becomes mushy. Always cook to al dente.
- Not draining excess fat from the beef: This can make the final dish greasy.
- Skipping the covered baking step: The foil trap steam, heating the center thoroughly without burning the cheese topping.
- Using pre-shredded cheese exclusively: It contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better.
- Cutting and serving immediately: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after oven; it will set and be easier to serve.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying bake every time. Its versatility for make-ahead meals and easy customization makes it a reliable staple for any cook’s repertoire. Enjoy the delicious results of your efforts with family and friends.