Baked Italian Sunset Pasta

Baked Italian sunset pasta is the kind of cozy, no-fuss dinner I crave when I want something both special and comforting. Creamy mozzarella and herbaceous pesto melt through every layer of saucy rigatoni, while a golden crust of cheese on top signals dinner is ready. You get all the flavors of lasagna, with half the work and clean-up.

My family fell in love with this recipe after the very first bite. I made it for a Sunday potluck and now it is everyone’s most requested pasta bake.

Ingredients

• Mezzi rigatoni pasta: Brings the right amount of bite and holds sauce well Choose a bronze cut brand for extra texture
• Meat sauce: Rich umami base Use your favorite homemade or jarred version with plenty of tomatoes and ground meat
• Jarred pesto: Bright punch of basil and savory parmesan Look for one with minimal oil and vibrant color
• Fresh mozzarella: Soft melt and fresh flavor Slice it evenly for those signature pull-apart layers
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty cheesy finish Freshly grated always tastes best
• Butter: Coats the baking dish for that golden baked edge Use quality unsalted butter
• Parsley: Fresh garnish and color Adds a bit of herbaceous lift

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees so it is ready to bake when your layers are built

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil Add the mezzi rigatoni and cook to al dente It should be tender but still have a pleasant chew Drain well so the sauce can cling

Coat Pasta with Sauce:

Warm your meat sauce in a big skillet and toss in the cooked rigatoni Stir until every piece is glossy and coated evenly This keeps things saucy and satisfying

Layer the Base:

Spread half of the saucy pasta evenly in a generously buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish Sprinkle half the grated parmesan over this for a hint of flavor in every forkful

Add Cheese and Pesto:

Arrange the sliced mozzarella in a single layer so every bite gets some rich creamy cheese Dollop pesto across the top and use the back of your spoon to spread it to the corners

Top and Finish:

Add the rest of the pasta and finish with the remaining parmesan This gives you a golden savory topping that gets beautifully crisp in the oven

Bake and Serve:

Place uncovered on the oven’s center rack and bake for about 25 minutes The cheese should be melted and the edges bubbling Let it cool slightly before garnishing with parsley and serving

Pin

One of my favorite parts is the crispy pasta edges that form along the sides Those cheesy corners disappear fast at our table Every time we make this it brings back memories of Sunday gatherings when everyone lingered for seconds

Storage Tips

Let the pasta cool completely before covering and storing in the fridge It keeps fresh for up to three days For best texture reheat gently in the oven covered with foil If freezing wrap tightly and store for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through

Ingredient Substitutions

Try penne or ziti if you do not have mezzi rigatoni For a vegetarian version skip the meat in the sauce and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach Swap out pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or a little roasted red pepper spread for a twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables and a chunk of rustic bread This pasta is also lovely as part of a buffet spread with marinated olives and simple grilled chicken

Cultural and Historical Context

Layered pasta bakes like this have roots in classic Italian-American cooking blending family-style comfort with bold flavor The name Italian sunset comes from those golden cheesy edges and the warm orange-red of the sauce that peek through each serving

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of meat sauce should I use?

Any hearty meat sauce works well, such as one made with ground beef, pork or sausage, simmered with tomatoes and Italian herbs.

→ Can I substitute a different pasta for mezzi rigatoni?

Yes, penne or standard rigatoni are good alternatives, but ensure they are cooked al dente for best texture.

→ How do I know when the pasta bake is ready?

The top should be golden and bubbly, with cheese fully melted. A bake time of about 25 minutes at 350°F usually works well.

→ What cheeses work best for the layers?

Fresh mozzarella and grated parmesan are ideal for achieving a melty, flavorful interior and a crisp baked top.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble everything and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, cover tightly, and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.