The Ultimate Gluten-Free Baked Pasta (That Isn't Mushy!) (Print Version)

A foolproof recipe for a rich, cheesy, and hearty gluten-free baked pasta that holds its shape. My secret trick ensures perfectly cooked GF pasta every time, creating a classic comfort food casserole the whole family will love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Sauce

01 - 1 lb gluten-free penne or rigatoni pasta
02 - 1 lb ground Italian sausage or lean ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 32 oz jar of good-quality marinara sauce
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano

→ Cheese Layers

07 - 15 oz container whole-milk ricotta cheese
08 - 1 large egg, beaten
09 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
10 - 16 oz block low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Cook gluten-free pasta in salted water for HALF the time on the package. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
02 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown meat in a skillet, drain fat. Sauté onion and garlic. Stir in marinara and oregano; simmer.
03 - In a bowl, combine ricotta, beaten egg, half the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
04 - In a 9x13 dish, layer in this order: thin layer of sauce, half the pasta, half the ricotta mix, half the mozzarella. Repeat.
05 - Top the final layer with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
06 - Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - The absolute key to success is undercooking the pasta by half.
02 - Letting the casserole rest before slicing is essential for it to set properly.
03 - Use a sturdy, corn/rice blend gluten-free pasta for the best results.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - Large skillet
03 - 9x13 inch baking dish
04 - Colander
05 - Mixing bowls

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 560
Total Fat: 29g
Total Carbohydrate: 44g
Protein: 31g