Marinara Ham Rigatoni Bake

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3 In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ham, ricotta, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. 4 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. 5 Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
6. 6 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
7. 7 Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Variations

• Add in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Substitute ham with ground beef for a meatier version.

Substitutions

• If ricotta is unavailable, use an extra ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and omit ham.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté garlic in olive oil before mixing with pasta.
• Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach or zucchini.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.

FAQ