Holiday Baked Pasta

Holiday Baked Pasta is a traditional dish served during family celebrations, religious holidays, and special gatherings throughout Naples and southern Italy. Layers of pasta, tomato sauce, cheeses, and savory fillings are baked until golden and bubbling, creating a rich and comforting centerpiece for the festive table.

Portata first course

Cucina napoletana

Preparazione 30

Cottura 40

Tempo totale 1 10

Servings 8

Calories 620kcal

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Baking dish
Wooden spoon
Oven

Ingredienti

500 g rigatoni ziti, or penne
750 ml tomato sauce
300 g mozzarella diced
100 g grated Parmesan cheese
200 g cooked ham diced
200 g small meatballs cooked
2 hard-boiled eggs sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Istruzioni

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until slightly under al dente.
Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl.
Add most of the tomato sauce and mix well.
Stir in half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, the ham, and the meatballs.
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Spread a layer of pasta in the dish.
Add the sliced hard-boiled eggs and part of the remaining mozzarella.
Continue layering until all ingredients are used.
Top with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Note

Every family has its own version, with variations in cheeses, cured meats, and fillings.
Leftover ragù is often used to enrich the sauce.
The dish is commonly prepared for Christmas, Easter, and large Sunday gatherings.
Allowing the pasta to rest before serving helps the layers hold together.