Classic Pasta al Forno Recipe (Italian Baked Pasta) (2024)

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Pasta al Forno Recipe (Italian Baked Pasta)– the ultimate comfort food! The combination of savory meat sauce, melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a baked pasta dish with rich and comforting flavors the whole family loves.

Enjoy with a side of crusty bread and a green salad.

This is the BEST baked pasta! The aroma of this pasta dish baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with a nostalgic and homely feeling, making it perfect for cozy family meals. Great for large crowds, special occasions, or any time you are craving a classic Italian recipe.

Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld and creates a golden-brown, slightly crispy top layer of cheese for added texture.

You will also love White Baked Ziti, Roman Sausage Rigatoni Recipe, and Lasagna alla Bolognese.

Simple Ingredients

This recipe follows traditional Italian cooking techniques and uses authentic ingredients, giving you a taste of Italy in every bite.

• Rigatoni: Large, ridged pasta tubes that hold sauces well. Adds a hearty texture to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Finely chopped for a savory base, providing depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
• Ground Pork: Adds a juicy and flavorful element to the meat sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Infuses the dish with a mix of spices, herbs, and a slightly spicy kick.
• Tomato Puree (Passata): Smooth, concentrated tomato sauce that forms the base of the meat sauce.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn basil leaves add a fresh and aromatic note to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Used in both the pasta water and meat sauce.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and a subtle kick.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated for a gooey and melty layer, providing that classic cheesy goodness.
• Parmigiano Cheese: Grated over the top for a nutty and savory finish, enhancing the overall richness.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Pasta Al Forno

This easy recipe comes together with a few simple steps. See the printable recipe card for more.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened.

See Also

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Add ground pork and Italian sausage (casing removed), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.

Pour in tomato puree (passata). Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Add the basil during last 5 minutes of cooking.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until 3 minutes before al dente (it will keep cooking in the oven).

Assemble Pasta al Forno: Combine the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water in the pan with the meat sauce (if the pan isn’t large enough, mix in a large bowl).

Add 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the parmigiano cheese and stir to combine.

Add the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and finish with the remaining mozzarella and parmigiano cheese.
Bake and serve!

You will love this hearty meat sauce baked in the oven with cheese and pasta until perfectly golden brown. Yum!

Substitutions

• Rigatoni: Substitute with other types of pasta: short pasta shapes like penne or ziti if rigatoni pasta is not available.
• Tomato Puree (Passata): Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used instead of passata.
• Ground Pork: Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken are a great substitute.
• Italian Sausage: Replace with any sausage variety you prefer, such as spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Any meltable cheese like provolone or a blend can be used as a substitute.
• Parmigiano Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used instead of Parmigiano (parmesan cheese) for a similar nutty and salty flavor.

Variations

Here are some variations and creative twists you can try with the classic Italian Pasta al Forno recipe:

• Vegetarian Versions: Skip the meat and double up on veggies. Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
• Spicy Pasta al Forno: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
• Four Cheese Pasta al Forno: Mix different types of cheeses such as fontina, gouda, or provolone along with mozzarella and parmigiano for a rich and gooey four-cheese version. Even a little creamy bechamel sauce (cheesy sauce) to add a creamy texture.
• Eggplant Parmesan Pasta al Forno: Roast or grill slices of eggplant and layer them between the pasta for a delicious eggplant Parmesan-inspired variation.

Equipment

My favorite 9×13 inch baking pan! It’s amazing quality and lasts forever.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Allow the Pasta al Forno to cool to room temperature before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet or pan on medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Reheat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

This dish reheats well, and the flavors often deepen the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.

FAQs

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Serving Suggestions

A long list of ideas in this: what to serve with baked pasta post.

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