Ah yes 😋 — Pasta al Forno is basically Italian comfort food at its peak: baked pasta, cheesy, saucy, and golden on top. Here’s a straightforward recipe you can make at home.
Pasta al Forno (Baked Pasta)
Serves 4
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables
How to make it
1. Cook the pasta
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Boil pasta 2–3 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven)
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Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking
2. Preheat oven
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375°F (190°C)
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Assemble
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In a large bowl, mix pasta + marinara + ricotta + Italian seasoning + salt & pepper
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Stir in optional cooked meat or veggies if using
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Pour into prepared baking dish
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Top with mozzarella and Parmesan
4. Bake
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Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes
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Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly
5. Serve
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Let sit 5 minutes before serving
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
Tips for perfect Pasta al Forno
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Don’t overcook pasta: al dente is key for a nice texture
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Layer flavors: a spoon of pesto or béchamel can elevate it
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Cheese topping: mix mozzarella + Parmesan for gooey + nutty flavor
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Make ahead: assemble in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready
If you want, I can also give you a “5-ingredient shortcut version” that’s still rich and cheesy but faster to prep.