Bolognese Pasta Bake

If you have some leftover Bolognese sauce and want to transform it into a mouthwatering and satisfying meal, look no further than this Bolognese Pasta Bake. Combining the richness of the Bolognese sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this comforting dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful pasta bake ready to enjoy in no time!

PREP 5 MINS

COOK 35 MINS

SERVES 4-6 

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g rigatoni pasta
• 20g (1 tablespoon) Western Star Original Butter
• 3 cups any leftover Bolognese sauce, warmed
• 2½ cups (225g) Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan-forced. Grease a 3-litre (12-cup capacity) ovenproof dish, getting it ready for the pasta bake.
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta in a large saucepan according to the packet instructions, typically around 12 minutes or until it becomes tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
3. In the prepared ovenproof dish, add the cooked rigatoni pasta and the Western Star Original Butter, tossing them together to combine.
4. Now, it’s time to elevate this dish with the leftover Bolognese sauce. Pour the warmed Bolognese sauce over the pasta in the dish, and add half of the Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese, gently stirring everything together to ensure the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
5. For the final touch of cheesy goodness, sprinkle the remaining Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese on top of the pasta and Bolognese mixture.
6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese turns a tempting golden brown and melts into a gooey, luscious topping.
7. Once the pasta bake is done baking, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will let the flavors meld and the dish to settle, making it easier to dish out and enjoy.

RECIPE NOTE:

• The prep and cook times for this Bolognese Pasta Bake are based on using leftover Bolognese sauce, making it a quick and convenient option for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Transform your leftover Bolognese sauce into a sensational meal with this Bolognese Pasta Bake. With its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for utilizing any remaining Bolognese sauce. So, gather your loved ones around the table and savor every delightful bite of this hearty and scrumptious pasta bake!