Pasta al Forno

This baked pasta dish is a comforting classic that's sure to impress your guests. It's hearty, flavorful, and can be customized to your liking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound of penne or ziti pasta
• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (you can remove it for the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden top) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Once heated through and bubbly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy!

Flavor Profile

Pasta al Forno is wonderfully rich and comforting, with layers of flavor from the savory meat, zesty marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a delicious harmony of textures and tastes that will warm your heart!

If you have any alterations or ideas you'd like to incorporate, just let me know! Happy cooking!