Busy Day Lasagne
A comforting layered pasta bake with rich tomato sauce, cheesy goodness, and tender rigatoni, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni as directed; drain.
- In bottom of 2-quart casserole or 9-inch square pan, pat a few spoonfuls of sauce.
- Arrange half of the rigatoni in the pan.
- Spread all of the cottage cheese over the rigatoni.
- Top with half of the sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the remaining rigatoni, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick weeknight dinner, you can substitute rigatoni with penne or even use store-bought ravioli for a different twist. If you're short on time, consider using a pre-made sauce or adding cooked ground meat for added protein. To enhance flavor, mix in some Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is also great for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Busy Day Lasagne with a side of garlic bread, like Farmer'S Garlic Bread, for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a more filling option, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables. This lasagne is also excellent for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Busy Day Lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Lasagne contains roughly 466 calories, with 40g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This Busy Day Lasagne is already vegetarian-friendly! To enhance the veggie aspect, you can add layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also incorporate some cooked lentils or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. Just ensure you keep the cheese and sauce vegetarian as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).