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Pasta al Forno - Italian Pasta Bake
Italian pasta al forno is the perfect Sunday comfort food! Layered with bolognese sauce and creamy béchamel, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 645 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 500 g pasta such as penne, rigatoni, ziti
- 400 g bolognese sauce approx 1½ US cups
- 240 g Béchamel sauce approx 1 US cup, optional
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 150 g fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (360°F) or 160°C (with fan option on) or gas mark 4.
- Place a large pan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Lightly season with sea salt, then add the pasta and cook for about 7-8 minutes.
- Check the cooking time on the pasta packaging, and cook the pasta very al dente, approximately 4-5 minutes before recommended cooking time.
- Drain the pasta and transfer it back into the pan. Add in the bolognese sauce and mix all the ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta to a 6x8 inches baking dish or an oven-friendly pan, and spoon the béchamel sauce over the top, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Bake the pasta al forno for around 15-20 minutes. If you want some nice crunchy brown spots, set the baking dish under the grill for 2-3 minutes extra. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If you skip the béchamel sauce, I recommend adding an extra layer of melty cheese such as mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the bolognese sauce with tomato sauce.
- For a richer version, add chopped boiled eggs, slices of cooked ham, homemade meatballs, sliced salami or tiny mortadella cubes.
Nutrition Information
Calories
645kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
64g
(21%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
28g
(43%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Cholesterol
96mg
(32%)
Sodium
521mg
(22%)
Potassium
399mg
(11%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
200IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
0.5mg
(1%)
Calcium
193mg
(19%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 645
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 645kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 521mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 399mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 200IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 193mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.