Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish? This Easy Cheesy Rotini Bake is everything you need for a cozy night in or a family dinner that’s bound to impress. Loaded with tender pasta, a savory tomato sauce, and three kinds of cheese, this recipe is quick, simple, and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible, cheesy masterpiece.
Easy Cheesy Rotini Bake
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather these ingredients for a stress-free cooking experience:
- Pasta: 1 pound of rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- Ground Meat: 1 pound of ground beef or sausage (optional, but adds flavor)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Seasonings: Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
- Tomatoes: 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped or a can of crushed tomatoes
- Parsley: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Meat and Aromatics
- Sauté the Meat and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove the mixture from heat.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Add Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if preferred) along with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh chopped parsley for added flavor.
3. Assemble the Bake
- Layer the Rotini and Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of cooked rotini, followed by a ladle of tomato sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Add Cheese Layers:
- Ricotta: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta.
- Mozzarella: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta.
- Pecorino Romano: Add a final layer of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for a rich, tangy finish.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and a dash of cracked black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Cheesy Rotini Bake pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s a filling meal on its own but can be easily complemented with these sides for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Rotini Bake
- Choosing the Right Pasta: Rotini holds the sauce and cheese well, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to add other cheeses like fontina, gouda, or cheddar for added flavor and creaminess.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
FAQs / Easy Cheesy Rotini Bake
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well in this dish. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it may become softer during baking.
Q: What other meats can I use?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven until warmed through or microwave individual servings.
This Easy Cheesy Rotini Bake is a surefire hit, perfect for busy weeknights or a special family meal. With gooey cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
