Discover the Perfect Pasta al Forno Recipe! This mouthwatering Italian dish features rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, Pasta al Forno is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Getting Started: Gathering Your Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (1 lb) can tomato puree
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Cooking Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Pasta al Forno
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the Sausage: Add Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato puree, salt, pepper, and oregano. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta in generously salted water until it’s slightly undercooked (al dente). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until well combined, adding more pasta water if needed to prevent the mixture from becoming dry.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in preparation for baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a cheesy layer on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is bubbling and the cheese on top begins to turn golden brown.
Pasta al Forno is the epitome of comfort food, featuring al dente rigatoni pasta smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a generous amount of melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a taste of Italy.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli. - Is it necessary to use Italian sausage, or can I substitute it with another type of sausage?
Italian sausage adds a unique flavor to the dish, but you can certainly use other types of sausage if preferred. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta al forno ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Pasta al Forno freezes well. Simply portion out leftovers into individual servings, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. - Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
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