FREEZE IT
CHEESY RIGATONI BAKE

This is a family favorite. One of our four children likes it so much, he always asks for it as a birthday dinner.

—NANCY URBINE LANCASTER, OH



PREP: 20 MIN. BAKE: 30 MIN. MAKES: 2 CASSEROLES (6 SERVINGS EACH)


1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni or large tube pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups milk

1/4 cup water

4 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and salt until smooth; gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened.

3. Drain pasta; place in a large bowl. Add eggs. Spoon into two greased 8-in.-square baking dishes. Layer each with one can tomato sauce, half the mozzarella cheese and half the white sauce. Sprinkle each with half the Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

FREEZE OPTION Cover and freeze unbaked casseroles up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375°. Cover and bake 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 7-10 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°.