Savory Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Glaze
This Savory Baked Rigatoni is a delightful, wholesome dish perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Featuring al dente rigatoni pasta baked in a medley of caramelized onions and tender roasted asparagus, it offers bright flavors without being overly saucy or cheesy. The dish is elevated with the addition of rich balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible texture. A nutritious one-dish meal that's ready in just 30 minutes, it's sure to become a weeknight favorite for both its taste and convenience.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Chopped onions
3 cups (Cut into large chunks.)
Rigatoni pasta
3/4 lb (Or similar tube-shaped pasta.)
Asparagus
1 lb (Cut into 2 inch pieces.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons (None)
Fresh ground black pepper
To taste (None)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (None)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (None)
Extra balsamic vinegar
For passing (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2
In a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, pour in the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and toss to coat them in the oil. Place the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and roast the onions for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Meanwhile, once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
4
After the onions have roasted for 5 minutes, add the asparagus to the baking dish. Sprinkle it with salt, stir to combine, and arrange everything in a single layer. Roast for an additional 5 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
5
After roasting, combine the al dente pasta with the roasted vegetables in the baking dish. Add the balsamic vinegar, fresh ground black pepper to taste, and the grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated and combined.
6
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the dish for a crunchy finish, then cover with aluminum foil.
7
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle individual portions with extra balsamic vinegar, if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
36g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Glaze.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Rigatoni is recommended, but any similar tube-shaped pasta can be used.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The dish is ready in approximately 30 minutes.
What is the calorie count for this rigatoni dish?
There are 240 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be chopped into large chunks.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I roast the onions?
Toss the onions in olive oil in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and roast for 5 minutes.
When should the asparagus be added?
Add the asparagus to the baking dish after the onions have roasted for the first 5 minutes.
How should the asparagus be cut?
The asparagus should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
How long does the asparagus need to roast?
Roast the asparagus for about 5 minutes until it is tender.
What is the suggested cooking texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
What role does balsamic vinegar play in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, elevated flavor to the pasta and vegetables.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the main mixture?
4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are added to the pasta and vegetables.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What provides the crunchy texture on top?
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top creates a crunchy finish.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
How long is the final bake time?
The final bake takes 10-15 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This dish provides 8g of protein per serving.
Can I add more balsamic vinegar after cooking?
Yes, you can drizzle individual portions with extra balsamic vinegar if desired.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
How much salt is used for seasoning the vegetables?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the asparagus.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a nutritious one-dish meal.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, add fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How much pasta is needed?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of rigatoni pasta.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.