Pasta Rustica Recipe
Description:
Pasta Rustica is a hearty Italian-inspired casserole dish that combines ziti pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and a blend of three cheeses, creating a rich and satisfying meal. This recipe, inspired by Williams-Sonoma, offers a delightful combination of savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
- 1 cup water
- Salt, to taste
- 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded Fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook and drain the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Set aside. |
| 2 | In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 3 | Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. |
| 4 | Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. |
| 5 | Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, dried marjoram, and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. |
| 6 | Pour in the tomato puree and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until thickened. |
| 7 | Season the sauce with salt to taste, adjusting as needed. |
| 8 | Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 9 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the shredded Fontina cheese. Mix well to combine. |
| 10 | Add the prepared sauce to the pasta mixture and stir until evenly coated. |
| 11 | Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. |
| 12 | Sprinkle the remaining shredded Fontina cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. |
| 13 | Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. |
| 14 | Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. |
| 15 | Serve the Pasta Rustica hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy! |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1288
- Fat: 58.2g
- Saturated Fat: 23.1g
- Cholesterol: 129mg
- Sodium: 2435mg
- Carbohydrates: 117.4g
- Fiber: 8.3g
- Sugar: 14.9g
- Protein: 73g
Recipe Notes:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can use your favorite type of sausage for this recipe, such as mild or hot Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to suit your taste preferences. Ricotta cheese can also be used in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use. Simply reheat on the stovetop before mixing with the pasta.
