Easy Baked Rigatoni With Ham and Feta Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the savory delight of Easy Baked Rigatoni With Ham and Feta, a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe, crafted with love and precision, offers a tantalizing blend of flavors that will surely become a household favorite.
Ratings and Nutrition Information:
- Aggregated Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Calories: 4481.9
- Fat Content: 274.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 161.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 1306.5mg
- Sodium Content: 7586mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 293.8g
- Fiber Content: 19.4g
- Sugar Content: 32.9g
- Protein Content: 213.6g
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 5 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 onion, chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Butter for greasing
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter. |
| 3 | Cook Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta in boiling water until firm-tender, then drain it well. |
| 4 | Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, dried thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic and add them to the mixture for extra flavor. |
| 5 | Add Cream: Pour in the cream and mix everything together until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. |
| 6 | Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. |
| 7 | Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Feel free to add more cheese if desired for that irresistible gooeyness. |
| 8 | Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. |
| 9 | Final Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. |
| 10 | Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones! |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Easy Baked Rigatoni With Ham and Feta alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine for a truly indulgent dining experience.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked ham or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture.
- Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a nutritious twist.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled dish until ready to bake for a convenient option on busy days.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion:
Easy Baked Rigatoni With Ham and Feta is a crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines simplicity and sophistication. With its hearty ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or served at gatherings with friends, this flavorful dish is bound to impress. Try it today and savor the delightful flavors that await!
