Pasta Tomato and Mozzarella Al Forno
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Pasta Tomato and Mozzarella Al Forno, an Italian-inspired baked pasta dish that delivers cheesy, saucy perfection. This recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and basil, creating a comforting base with a touch of optional spice from red chili flakes. Layered with creamy chunks of fresh mozzarella and topped with a golden crust of Parmesan cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, this oven-baked delight offers melty, gooey goodness in every bite. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s an ideal main dish for cozy family dinners or a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks. Pair this bubbling pasta bake with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal that brings classic Italian comfort to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly.
In a large oven-safe baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Distribute half of the cubed mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish with the remaining mozzarella.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness of your Pasta Tomato and Mozzarella Al Forno!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2977 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.8 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.6 g | 218% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 193 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 6470 mg | 281% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 407.3 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.0 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.8 g | ||
| Protein | 133.5 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1927 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 27.2 mg | 151% | |
| Potassium | 4180 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
