Description
A comforting baked rotini pasta dish with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, topped with a golden crust. Perfect for family dinners, it’s an easy, Italian-inspired recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 1 lb rotini pasta
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese, mixing until well-coated.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Tip: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Chef’s Note: For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30