PASTA AL FORNO
Pasta al Forno, also known as “pasta baked in the oven,” is a delightful alternative to lasagna, offering the same rich flavors without the complex layering. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step, ensuring a satisfying experience for your taste buds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients for Pasta al Forno
ADVERTISEMENT
To prepare Pasta al Forno, you’ll need the following ingredients:
ADVERTISEMENT
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni pasta | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Tomato puree | 1 (1 lb) can |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delightful Pasta al Forno dish:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Also, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot, ensuring it browns evenly. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato puree, salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for 30 minutes, melding the flavors beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in the boiling water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine and Bake: Fold the partially cooked pasta into the simmered sauce, adding 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and half of the reserved pasta water. Adjust the consistency with the remaining pasta water if needed. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Final Touch: Bake the Pasta al Forno in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese achieves a golden brown hue.
Enjoying Pasta al Forno
Pasta al Forno delivers the comforting flavors of lasagna in an approachable baked dish. Its hearty filling, layered with cheese and pasta, promises a delightful meal suitable for any occasion, be it a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Indulge in this culinary masterpiece and relish the warmth it brings to your dining table.
