Pasta al forno, or baked pasta, is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
Here’s a recipe for a delicious pasta al forno: Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional) Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the pasta al forno: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the prepared sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta mixture, then sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Bake the pasta al forno: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve: Let the pasta al forno cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked pasta
! Pasta al forno is perfect for serving a crowd or for enjoying as leftovers the next day. Buon appetito!