Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Baked Mezzi Rigatoni that combines the rich, hearty flavors of ground pork, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious kale. Imagine a bubbling, cheesy pasta dish that's not just a meal, but a journey through Italian-inspired comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This one-pan wonder is about to become your new go-to recipe that perfectly balances convenience, nutrition, and mind-blowing taste!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz mezzi rigatoni
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked mezzi rigatoni cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mezzi rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground pork. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the cooked pork. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are softened.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mezzi rigatoni with the pork and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mezzi rigatoni mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors to combine.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked mezzi rigatoni with pork, kale, and mushrooms!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground pork and don't rush the browning process - developing those caramelized bits adds depth to your dish.
- Choose robust mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a more intense umami flavor that complements the pork beautifully.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the pork to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Cook the kale just until it's wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Use a marinara sauce with good consistency - not too watery, not too thick - to ensure your pasta stays perfectly sauced.
- For a golden, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding a bit of provolone or fontina for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
