This is my go-to recipe for potlucks and meal trains!

Pasta al Forno, a beloved Italian comfort food, brings together the heartiness of pasta, the rich flavors of a robust meat sauce, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese. This baked pasta dish, often served at family gatherings and special occasions, is a staple in many Italian households. Its versatility allows for numerous variations, making it a favorite across generations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the origins, ingredients, preparation methods, and the best tips to perfect your Pasta al Forno. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with everything you need to create this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 1 lb of rigatoni pasta to the boiling water.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet.
3. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Italian Sausage

1. Add 1 lb of Italian sausage to the skillet.
2. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

4. Add the Tomato Sauce

1. Stir in 1 can (1 lb) of tomato puree.
2. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
3. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Assemble the Pasta Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked rigatoni pasta.
4. Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.
5. Sprinkle 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and another 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake the Pasta

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and sprinkle ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

1. Once baked, remove the Pasta al Forno from the oven.
2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, if desired.