Pasta al Forno {Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella}
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pasta al Forno {Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella}
Description
This recipe for Pasta al Forno starts by cooking penne pasta until just al dente. Simultaneously, garlic is gently sautéed in olive oil before adding canned diced tomatoes along with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, which simmer to create a thickened, fragrant tomato sauce. The cooked pasta is tossed in this sauce, then placed in a baking dish in two layers separated and topped with cubed mozzarella and shredded Parmesan cheeses.
The assembled dish bakes at 400°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, resulting in a dish with tender pasta strands richly coated in tomato sauce and softened cheese cubes that merge into a creamy, flavorful topping. The herbs add a subtle aromatic dimension, while the mix of mozzarella and Parmesan provides both melt and sharpness in flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic finely minced, cloves
- 2 cans cans (14-ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound penne pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- ⅔ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large pot of lightly salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- After draining the pasta, return the noodles to the pot and pour in the sauce. Toss to combine. Lightly coat a 9X13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place half of the pasta in the dish. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cubes over the top. Top with remaining pasta. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 484kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 810mg | 34% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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