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Baked Italian Sunset Pasta

Category: Delicious Recipes That Won't Break the Bank

This baked Italian sunset pasta combines mezzi rigatoni with a rich meat sauce, creating a comforting main course. Slices of fresh mozzarella and generous dollops of pesto rest between pasta layers, while parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a savory crust. Everything bakes together until bubbly and golden, making each serving cheesy and full of Italian-inspired flavor. A finishing sprinkle of parsley adds freshness, and the dish works well for family dinners or gatherings. Great served with crusty bread and a simple side salad.

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A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:51:50 GMT
A baked Italian sunset pasta dish. Pin
A baked Italian sunset pasta dish. | mellierecipes.com

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
A close up of a delicious baked Italian sunset pasta. Pin
A close up of a delicious baked Italian sunset pasta. | mellierecipes.com

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.

Baked Italian Sunset Pasta

Rigatoni, mozzarella, meat sauce, and pesto layer together for a bubbly baked Italian-inspired pasta dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Budget-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Italian

Result Amount: 8 Portions (One 23 x 33 cm tray)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Pasta

01 450 g mezzi rigatoni

→ Meat Sauce

02 950–1200 ml meat sauce

→ Cheese

03 460 g fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
04 100 g parmesan cheese, grated, divided

→ Pesto

05 185 g basil pesto

→ Additional

06 15–30 g unsalted butter
07 15–30 g fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 175°C.

Step 02

Cook mezzi rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 03

Warm the meat sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the drained pasta, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 04

Generously butter a 23 x 33 cm baking dish.

Step 05

Add half of the pasta mixture to the prepared dish and sprinkle evenly with half of the grated parmesan.

Step 06

Arrange thinly sliced mozzarella over the pasta in a single layer. Dollop pesto over the cheese and gently spread with the back of a spoon.

Step 07

Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese and pesto. Sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan.

Step 08

Transfer the dish to the centre rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 09

Allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve.

Extra Tips

  1. For a richer flavour, let the baked pasta rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Use high-quality mozzarella for optimal melt and texture.

Tools Required

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Saucepan
  • 23 x 33 cm baking dish
  • Oven
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella, parmesan, butter)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)
  • May contain nuts (pesto)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 550
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams