the end for a fresher, brighter flavor if you have it on hand.
If you prefer a richer sauce, replace 1/2 cup of the hot water with 1/2 cup of chicken broth or light cream, but keep in mind this will make the dish heavier.
Food safety tips: Make sure the pasta is baked until it’s fully tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed; undercooked pasta can be unpleasantly hard in the center. If you add any cooked meat, be sure it was previously cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground beef) and has been stored properly in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking, store them in an airtight container, and reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before serving again, adding a splash of water or broth if the
