Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Savory Ham and Feta
Indulge in this delightful creamy baked rigatoni, elevated with the rich flavors of savory diced ham and tangy feta cheese. This comforting dish combines al dente rigatoni with fresh chopped plum tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a blend of decadent cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious half-and-half mixture. Ideal for family gatherings or a casual dinner with friends, this hearty meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve hot and watch as it disappears in no time!
6
Servings
470
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
1 lb (Cooked al dente (boil 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest))
Diced cooked ham
2 cups (Diced)
Plum tomatoes
5 large (Chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (Chopped)
Feta cheese
1 1/2 cups (Crumbled)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Grated)
Dried thyme
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Half-and-half
1 cup (None)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Spray a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, diced ham, chopped tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Pour the half-and-half over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked rigatoni!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
31g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Rigatoni with Savory Ham and Feta?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish that combines rigatoni with savory diced ham, fresh plum tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses in a creamy sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this rigatoni dish?
Each serving contains approximately 470 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are 26 grams of protein per serving.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of rigatoni pasta.
How should the rigatoni be prepared before baking?
The rigatoni should be cooked al dente, boiling it for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest.
What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
Use 2 cups of diced cooked ham for the best flavor and convenience.
What types of tomatoes are used in the dish?
The recipe uses 5 large plum tomatoes that have been chopped.
Which cheeses are included in the mixture?
The dish features a blend of crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
One cup of half-and-half is used to create a luscious, creamy texture.
What herbs and spices are needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 clove of chopped garlic.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does the pasta bake covered?
The dish should be baked covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
Do I need to bake it uncovered at any point?
Yes, after the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top after removing the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the baking dish greased?
Yes, you should spray the glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory from the ham, tangy from the feta, and aromatic from the garlic and thyme.
How should the feta cheese be prepared?
The 1 1/2 cups of feta cheese should be crumbled before being mixed into the pasta.
What is the final visual sign that the dish is done?
The top should be golden and bubbling after the final 10 minutes of baking.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While rigatoni is specified, other tube-shaped pastas like penne or ziti would likely work well.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners.
How are the ingredients mixed?
Combine the pasta, ham, tomatoes, garlic, and cheeses in a large mixing bowl before pouring the half-and-half over them.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked pasta, rigatoni, ham, feta, comfort food, cheesy pasta, and easy dinner.
What is the preparation method for the mozzarella?
The 1 cup of mozzarella cheese should be grated.