Rotini Casserole Recipe

Description:

This Rotini Casserole is a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. Originally passed down through generations, it has evolved over time into a beloved family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Prepare it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next night after work for a deliciously convenient dinner option. It’s a true testament to the joys of home cooking, where notes and memories replace formal recipes, and each rendition brings its own unique charm.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Servings: 8
Aggregated Rating: 5 (based on 3 reviews)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 819.5
Fat Content: 49.2g
Saturated Fat Content: 22.9g
Cholesterol Content: 171.2mg
Sodium Content: 2090mg
Carbohydrate Content: 42.2g
Fiber Content: 2.2g
Sugar Content: 9.3g
Protein Content: 50.1g

Ingredients:

3 cups rotini pasta
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup romano cheese, grated
2 cups spaghetti sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare pasta mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and 1 egg while it’s still hot. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a large greased casserole dish.
Layer with sauce: Pour 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly over the pasta mixture.
Prepare cheese layer: In another bowl, mix together low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 egg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Add sausage: Sprinkle the browned sausage evenly over the cottage cheese layer.
Top with remaining pasta: Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the sausage layer.
Layer with sauce and cheese: Pour another 1 cup of spaghetti sauce over the pasta mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final touch: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle parmesan and romano cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and cover it with a loose foil tent. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Slice and serve the Rotini Casserole hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Notes:

If prepared the night before, add an additional 25 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Be cautious when handling the casserole dish to avoid sudden temperature changes, especially when transferring from the fridge to the oven.

This Rotini Casserole recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this casserole is bound to bring joy to your table.