Pasta al Forno, which translates to “oven-baked pasta” in English, is a classic Italian dish that is beloved for its comforting, hearty nature and versatility. It’s akin to what many know as baked pasta or pasta bake in other parts of the world. This dish combines pasta with a savory tomato-based sauce, cheese, and often meat or vegetables, all baked together until bubbly and golden. The result is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Here’s a simple recipe to make Pasta al Forno at home:
Ingredients:
- 500g (about 1 pound) of pasta (rigatoni, penne, and ziti work well)
- 700g (about 3 cups) of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 400g (about 1 pound) of mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 100g (about 1 cup) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 200g (about 1/2 pound) of ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Additional ingredients as desired: mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, eggplant, etc.