Pepperoni Rigatoni is a scrumptious delight that combines the hearty flavors of rigatoni pasta, savory pepperoni, and a medley of vegetables and cheeses, all baked to perfection in a single dish. This recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family, offering a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors.
With a total preparation and cooking time of just 45 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, this Pepperoni Rigatoni recipe from lovewithrecipes.com is a convenient option for those seeking a quick and flavorful meal solution. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply craving a comforting one-dish meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
To get started, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F. You’ll need rigatoni pasta, Parmesan cheese, onion, green pepper, fresh basil, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and, of course, pepperoni slices to bring this dish to life. These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Begin by greasing a 13×9 inch pan, ensuring that your dish is well-prepared for baking. Then, it’s time to layer your ingredients. Start by spreading half of the rigatoni pasta evenly across the bottom of the pan, creating a sturdy base for your dish. Next, sprinkle a generous portion of Parmesan cheese over the pasta, infusing each bite with rich, cheesy goodness.
Continue layering by adding sliced onion, diced green pepper, chopped fresh basil, and minced garlic, distributing these flavorful ingredients evenly throughout the dish. These vegetables add both texture and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal and nutritional value.
Once your vegetable layer is complete, it’s time to add another layer of rigatoni pasta on top, followed by a generous sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. This cheese will melt beautifully during the baking process, creating a gooey, irresistible topping that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Finally, top your Pepperoni Rigatoni masterpiece with slices of savory pepperoni, arranging them in an eye-catching pattern across the top of the dish. Not only do these slices add a pop of color to your dish, but they also infuse each bite with their distinctive flavor, elevating the overall taste experience.
With your layers assembled, it’s time to bake your Pepperoni Rigatoni in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Once baked to perfection, remove your Pepperoni Rigatoni from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the oven, allowing you to savor each bite while the cheese is still melty and the flavors are at their peak.
With a rating of 5 stars and rave reviews from 30 satisfied diners, this Pepperoni Rigatoni recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Each serving packs a punch with just 361.5 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, Pepperoni Rigatoni is a dish that delivers on both taste and convenience. So why wait? Head to lovewithrecipes.com today and discover the joy of making this mouthwatering recipe for yourself.
