HERBED BAKED PASTA PRIMAVERA

Herbed Baked Pasta Primavera image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pinch red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
One 15-ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
1 cup fresh ricotta
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 pound dried rigatoni
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of the tomatoes and 1 cup of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the ricotta, basil and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
While the sauce simmers, heat the remaining tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and peas and cook, stirring, just until the carrots start to wilt, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Cook the rigatoni in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl.
Add the tomato sauce, half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta rest for about 10 minutes before serving.