if you appreciate a good dinner idea that everyone will love, then you’re in for a treat today! my kids call this their favorite and i call it genius. mostly because it’s as easy (if not more so) than throwing together spaghetti and red sauce, but the presentation is so fun and lovely that you’ll rake in the mom-points.
make it extra personalized by getting out all the fixings and letting the fam build their own baked pasta dish – just like a pizza night.
here’s how-to:
preheat oven to 375 degrees. add cooked and drained pasta or gnocchi (pictured) to oven safe ramekins.
side note, my kids go crazy for pinocchio – as they call it. if you haven’t tried it before they cook just like ravioli and can be found in the pasta section at the store. Or if you are looking for a fun & simple (although time consuming and messy) cooking activity with the kids there are lots of homemade gnocchi recipes out there to try.
add a generous amount of your favorite pasta sauce (red, white, vodka sauce, pesto, etc.).
add any other topping you have handy such as basil (pictured), ricotta, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, black olives… then top with a handful of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan or romano (if you have it).
bake for about 20 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbling. let cool slightly and serve!
meals that include baking time are a fave because it not only gives the house a warm and cozy feeling, but it also gives me a chance to tidy up my (most likely) messy kitchen, help the kids with homework & setting the table, or just catch my breath (and a glass of wine).
what do you think? do you have any tricks or recipes that make for a laid-back dinnertime!?
xo . rae
[…] we’re having dinner with friends but these individual baked pasta would be a good friday night […]