Description
Pasta al Forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish featuring al dente rigatoni mixed with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for family meals and can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta just under al dente by reducing the package cooking time by 1–2 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Fold in ricotta cheese along with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the pasta to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Enhance with cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- If using ground beef, draining fat is important to reduce greasiness.
- Letting the casserole rest helps the dish hold together when scooping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
