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Pasta al Forno (Classic Pasta Bake)

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Pasta al Forno, also known as Classic Pasta Bake, is the ultimate comfort food that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. This dish features al dente pasta, a hearty meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and a golden, crispy top that makes every bite a delightful experience. With its layers of gooey cheese, flavorful sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, Pasta al Forno is a favorite in many Italian homes. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s an easy, make-ahead meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

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For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni work best)
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy top)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, add the red wine and let it reduce for 5 minutes.
  4. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the pasta.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  1. Mix the Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir in the fresh parsley, if desired. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Pasta Bake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer the Pasta and Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, then spread half of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture.
  3. Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta bake. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake the Pasta al Forno:

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  2. Cool and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/pasta-al-forno-classic-pasta-bake/