**Indulge in a Culinary Journey with Mom's Pasta al Forno and Delightful Variations**
Embark on a delectable adventure with Mom's Pasta al Forno, a classic Italian dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and sheer deliciousness. This traditional baked pasta is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Discover the secrets behind this timeless recipe, including variations that cater to different dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a meatless delight, a cheese enthusiast yearning for a gooey indulgence, or simply a lover of classic Italian cuisine, this article has a recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of culinary bliss as we delve into the art of creating Mom's Pasta al Forno and its enticing variations.
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
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.
PASTA AL FORNO
Nonna Susanna's recipe for meat sauce and pasta that is baked in the oven and great for using leftovers.
Provided by MKK
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h35m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add onions and cook slowly until moisture has evaporated but onions are not dark brown, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and bacon. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until meat is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Pour wine into the skillet and cook until evaporated, 1 to 3 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Fill tomato paste can with water and pour in. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook sauce, uncovered, until oil no longer appears on the surface, about 30 minutes. Add sugar and salt; cook and stir until dissolved, about 3 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta at a boil for about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water. Return pasta to the pot and add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9x13-inch baking dishes.
- Add about 1 cup sauce and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese to the pot with the cooked pasta.
- Spoon a thin layer of pasta into each prepared baking dish. Top each with a thin layer of provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Add sauce. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheeses, and sauce; finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot and melted, 30 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.1 calories, Carbohydrate 41.8 g, Cholesterol 36.8 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 688.6 mg, Sugar 11 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality pasta will make a big difference in the final dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor. A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces. Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, and pesto are all popular choices, but you can also use other sauces like vodka sauce, carbonara sauce, or arrabiata sauce.
- Top the pasta with fresh herbs before serving. This will add a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Pasta al forno is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta al forno recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give pasta al forno a try. You won't be disappointed!
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