If you are looking for a comforting and delicious dish that will remind you of home, then "Mom's Pasta al Forno" is the perfect recipe for you. This classic Italian casserole is made with layers of pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with a flavorful mixture of cheeses, herbs, and spices. The dish is then baked until it is golden brown and bubbly. Served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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PASTA AL FORNO (BAKED PASTA THE ITALIAN WAY)
This recipe is based on my Sicilian mother-in-law's version of pasta al forno. It's rich and tasty and perfect for when you have a large number to feed!
Provided by Jacqueline Debono
Categories Main Course
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Chop the carrot, onion, garlic and celery finely.
- Fry the vegetables in olive oil until they are softening. Be careful not to allow them to burn!
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
- Then add the tomato concentrate and stir well
- Add the glass of wine and stir well again
- When the wine has evaporated pour in the tomato pulp and mix it in well with the meat.
- Add the basil leaves and salt and pepper as required.
- Cover the sauce and allow to simmer on a low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick. If it gets too thick add some water.
- 15 minutes before the sauce is ready add the peas.
- Put salted water on to boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta 2-3 minutes less than instructed on the packet. Strain and add the pasta to the meat sauce when it is ready.
- Mix the pasta and sauce well and allow to cool.
- Put a layer of pasta with sauce on the bottom of an oven dish.
- Make another layer with thick pieces of mozzarella.
- Add another layer of pasta with meat sauce and again some mozzarella
- Finish with a layer of pasta.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and bake in a pre-heated oven 180-200° until the top layer starts to crisp (30-40 mins)
PASTA AL FORNO
Steps:
- For the sauce: Cover the bottom of a medium saucepan with oil and garlic and cook over medium heat until garlic browns. Add sauce, basil, salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.
- For the pappardelle pasta: Make a bed of all-purpose flour, then make a well and add eggs. Fold all together, adding in more flour if needed, and knead until a dough ball is formed, then set aside and cover for 30 minutes.
- Run dough through a pasta sheeter to form pappardelle pasta (broad flat noodles).
- For the meatballs: Combine the beef, pork, veal, panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper and eggs in a bowl. Mixture should be on the drier side. If need be, add more panko. Form quarter-size meatballs. Heat a medium frying pan with oil and fry each meatball to a golden brown color.
- For the pasta al forno: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add sauce to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, along with the ricotta. Stir together, then add mozzarella and the meatballs. Let the cheese melt down.
- Meanwhile, drop the pasta into boiling salted water for about 7 minutes. Strain and add to the baking dish. Mix around, then bake in oven for 10 minutes.
MOM'S PASTA AL FORNO
Mom used to make this pasta al forno on special days, like on holidays and a lot of Sundays. It was a big treat for us. It is a lot of work because of all the ingredients that you have to layer on the pasta but it's well worth it. You can choose whatever you like in the ziti, but we love it just like this. It's filling and it's good.
Provided by sabinact
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes Ziti Recipes
Time 1h55m
Yield 14
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in tomato puree and water; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in sugar and basil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is cooking, bring a very large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add ground beef to cooked pasta. Mix in enough tomato sauce to lightly coat the pasta.
- Mix ricotta cheese and water in a bowl until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Spread a ladleful of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta, all of the ricotta cheese, peas, and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the sliced eggs on every section of the pasta; cover with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Pour remaining pasta, Parmesan cheese, sauce, and mozzarella on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting, so slices don't fall apart.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 67.6 g, Cholesterol 111.3 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 771.2 mg, Sugar 13.4 g
MOM'S PASTA AL FORNO
Mom used to make this pasta al forno on special days, like on holidays and a lot of Sundays. It was a big treat for us. It is a lot of work because of all the ingredients that you have to layer on the pasta but it's well worth it. You can choose whatever you like in the ziti, but we love it just like this. It's filling and it's good.
Provided by sabinact
Categories Ziti
Time 1h55m
Yield 14
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in tomato puree and water; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in sugar and basil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is cooking, bring a very large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add ground beef to cooked pasta. Mix in enough tomato sauce to lightly coat the pasta.
- Mix ricotta cheese and water in a bowl until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Spread a ladleful of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta, all of the ricotta cheese, peas, and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the sliced eggs on every section of the pasta; cover with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Pour remaining pasta, Parmesan cheese, sauce, and mozzarella on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting, so slices don't fall apart.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 67.6 g, Cholesterol 111.3 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 771.2 mg, Sugar 13.4 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, flavorful cheese, and tender pasta will make all the difference.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. A variety of cheeses can create a more complex and delicious flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and texture in the casserole.
- Don't overcook the sauce. A simmer for 15-20 minutes is usually sufficient to develop the flavors without overcooking the tomatoes.
- Layer the casserole carefully. Start with a layer of sauce, then pasta, then cheese, and repeat. This will help ensure that the casserole is evenly cooked.
- Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Pasta al forno is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and impressive pasta al forno that your family and friends will love.
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