Ingredients
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Baked Rigatoni With Red Peppers and Green Olives can be achieved by following these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced green olives to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Season the Mixture: Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the rigatoni and sauce mixture into a large baking dish. Spread it evenly.
9. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
11. Garnish: Once removed from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Following these steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish that is filled with flavor and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 14g