# Pasta Casserole

This pasta casserole is a family and friend favorite that can be made ahead of time or right before serving.

- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Sauce & Condiment
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1 package Rigatoni pasta
- Red sauce with meat
- 0.25 stick Butter
- 8 oz Fresh mozzarella
- Pesto
- Parmesan cheese

## Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salty water until super al dente, about 9-10 minutes.
2. Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and move it around to ensure it's all cold.
3. Add the cooked, cooled pasta to the pre-made and refrigerated meat sauce.
4. Mix the pasta and sauce together thoroughly.
5. Butter a deep 9x13 baking dish generously.
6. Pour half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the buttered baking dish, creating an even layer.
7. Layer fresh mozzarella slices over the pasta and sauce mixture.
8. Add spoonfuls of pesto over the mozzarella layer.
9. Spread the pesto evenly over the mozzarella.
10. Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top of the pesto layer.
11. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole.
12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake (if making ahead).
13. If refrigerated, remove the casserole from the fridge at least an hour before baking.

## Equipment

- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- 9x13 baking dish
- Spatula
- Grater
- Aluminum foil

## Tips

- Always taste the pasta to ensure it's super al dente.
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking.
- The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, or baked immediately.
- If baking after refrigeration, pull out the casserole at least an hour before baking.
- For a same-day bake, put everything in warm and bake for 20-30 minutes uncovered.
- Use fresh pesto from the fridge, not jarred.
- Use your favorite red sauce with meat.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/@smalltowninfluencer/video/7502477781041761567
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/f38a016a-c083-4784-a132-877c01cf64e7
- Extracted: 2025-09-02

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt