Floral Bliss Cheesy Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comforting embrace of our Floral Bliss Cheesy Pasta Bake, a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. This recipe combines rich and savory pasta sauce with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, all enveloped in charming flower-shaped fiori pasta. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this bake is not only visually appealing but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. With its gooey cheese topping and hearty pasta base, this dish is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Gather your loved ones and share the joy of a delightful meal with this easy-to-make recipe!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta Sauce
26 ounces (1 lb. 10 oz. Ragu Organic Pasta Sauce)
Water
1 1/2 cups
Ricotta Cheese
15 ounces (container)
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Fiori Pasta
8 ounces (flower-shaped, uncooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for a perfectly baked dish.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta sauce and water until well blended.
3
Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture, stirring until smooth.
4
Gently fold in the uncooked flower-shaped fiori pasta, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and bake for 45 minutes.
7
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9
Once baked, let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow for easier slicing.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Floral Bliss Cheesy Pasta Bake?
Floral Bliss Cheesy Pasta Bake is a comforting pasta dish made with flower-shaped fiori pasta, rich sauce, ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of flower-shaped fiori pasta.
Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?
No, the fiori pasta is added to the sauce mixture uncooked; it cooks directly in the oven while the dish is covered.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for this recipe.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
You will need one 26-ounce container of pasta sauce, specifically suggesting Ragu Organic Pasta Sauce.
Why is water added to the pasta sauce?
1 1/2 cups of water are added to the sauce to provide the necessary moisture for the uncooked pasta to hydrate and cook while baking.
What cheeses are used in this bake?
This recipe uses a combination of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing pasta, cheese, and tomato-based sauce.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 13x9-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The dish should be covered tightly with aluminum foil and baked for 45 minutes.
When do I add the remaining mozzarella cheese?
After the initial 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
How long is the final uncovered bake time?
Bake the dish uncovered for an additional 5 minutes after adding the final layer of cheese.
How do I know when the pasta bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is bubbling and has turned a golden color.
Should I let the dish rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 375 calories per serving of this pasta bake.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5 grams of protein.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: pasta sauce, water, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fiori pasta.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 18.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While fiori pasta gives it the 'floral' theme, you can use other short pasta shapes, though cooking times might vary slightly.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
Is the parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How is the mozzarella divided?
1 cup is mixed into the sauce and pasta mixture, and the remaining 1 cup is used as a topping.
What preparation is needed for the baking dish?
The 13x9-inch baking dish should be greased before adding the pasta mixture.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, with its cheesy topping and fun flower-shaped pasta, it is designed to be a favorite for both kids and adults.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific fiber count.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a pasta bake, comfort food, and a family meal.
How do I mix the ingredients?
First blend sauce and water, then stir in ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth before folding in the pasta.
Can I use any brand of sauce?
Yes, though the recipe suggests Ragu Organic Pasta Sauce for the best flavor profile.
What is the primary visual feature of this dish?
The primary visual feature is the charming flower-shaped fiori pasta and the gooey, golden mozzarella cheese topping.