Have you ever wanted to make some delicious baked pasta? There are many recipes available, but tomato and cheese always seem to be the fundamental ingredients. Whichever version you want to try your hand at, you will find that preparing pasta in the oven is simple and guarantees an incredibly tasty result. Read on to learn the best chef tricks!
Ingrediants
Vegetarian Baked Pasta
- 450 g of short pasta (for example penne, fusilli or macaroni)
- 950 ml of tomato sauce (homemade or purchased ready-made)
- 50 g Parmesan, grated
- 450 g of cottage cheese
- 200 g of mozzarella, diced
Doses for 10 servings
Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce
- 450 g of short pasta (for example penne, fusilli or macaroni)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 450g ground beef (lean)
- 770 ml of tomato sauce
- 180 g provolone, sliced
- 375 g of cooking cream
- 180 g of mozzarella, diced
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) of Parmesan, grated
Doses for 10 servings
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Vegetarian Baked Pasta
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Step 2. Cook the pasta in abundant salted water, taking care to drain it 3 minutes before the cooking time indicated on the package
Don't worry, it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3. Pour half of the pasta into a pan lightly greased with oil or butter, then add half of the tomato sauce
Mix carefully, so that the pasta is seasoned evenly. For now, set aside the leftover pasta and sauce, you will use them later to form a second layer.
Use a baking dish with a capacity of about 3 liters
Step 4. Start spreading the cheese over the dough
First, add 25 g of grated Parmesan, then half of the ricotta. Finally sprinkle the ingredients with 100 g of diced mozzarella.
Step 5. Repeat, placing a second layer of pasta, sauce, parmesan, ricotta and mozzarella in the pan
First, mix the leftover pasta and tomato sauce, then distribute them evenly inside the dish. Sprinkle them with the rest of the grated Parmesan, ricotta and diced mozzarella.
Step 6. Cover the dough with a sheet of aluminum foil, then bake it in the oven for 35 minutes
Make sure the paper does not come into contact with the cheese.
Step 7. When the timer rings, uncover the pasta and cook it for another 10-15 minutes
You will need to lightly brown the sauce and check that it is hot in the center as well. If you want a delicious crust to form on the surface, turn on the grill or bring the pan (uncovered) close to the upper coil of the oven; about 4 extra minutes should be enough.
Step 8. Take the dish out of the oven, then let the pasta cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving
This waiting period allows it to reach the perfect temperature to be eaten; moreover, it allows the sauce to fill even the smallest cracks.
Step 9. Enjoy your meal
Method 2 of 2: Prepare the Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Step 2. Cook the pasta in abundant salted water, taking care to drain it 3 minutes before the cooking time indicated on the package
Don't worry, it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3. Brown the onion and meat in a skillet over medium heat
Choose a pan large enough to hold the gravy as well, as you'll need to add it shortly. From time to time, mix the onion and meat with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
Step 4. Add the tomato sauce, then let the ingredients simmer for 15 minutes
During this time, the flavors will blend and amalgamate with each other. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5. Pour half of the pasta, provolone and cream into a baking dish lightly greased with oil or butter
Use a wooden spoon to distribute the pasta evenly on the bottom of the pan, then cover it with the slices of provolone. Now sprinkle the cheese evenly with the cooking cream; the rest of the dough will be used to form a second layer.
Use a rectangular baking dish, approximately 23x33 cm in size
Step 6. Spread half of the sauce over the ingredients in the pan
Try to spread it out evenly. For now, you only have to use half of it: you will use the rest to season the second layer.
Step 7. At this point, add the remaining pasta, mozzarella and ragù
First, distribute the dough evenly, then sprinkle it with the diced mozzarella. Try to distribute the ingredients as evenly as possible. Finish by adding the remaining sauce.
Step 8. Complete the dish by sprinkling it with grated Parmesan
This is the touch that allows you to create a delicious surface crust.
Step 9. Bake the pasta in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is stringy
If you want the top to become even more crunchy, turn on the grill and wait for the Parmesan to take on a golden color; about 4 minutes should be enough.
Step 10. Take the dish out of the oven, then let the pasta cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving
This waiting period allows it to reach the perfect temperature to eat it; moreover, it allows the sauce to fill even the smallest cracks.
Step 11. Enjoy your meal
Advice
- The ideal is to use a striped pasta that collects the sauce in an optimal way, such as penne, macaroni, caserecce or fusilli. Smooth or long pasta is not suitable for this recipe.
- Remember to drain the pasta a few minutes in advance. The heat of the sauce and the oven will allow it to finish cooking.
- Use the oven grill function to get a golden, crispy crust on the surface of the baked pasta. Do not lose sight of it so as not to risk burning it, it will only take a few minutes.
- Once ready, wait about 5-10 minutes before eating it. The sauce will have time to thicken slightly, plus you won't risk burning yourself.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the pasta water to prevent it from sticking during cooking or after draining it. The flavor of the dish will not change in the slightest.
- Protect your hands by wearing oven gloves when it's time to take the hot dish out of the oven.
- If you wish, you can add a few other ingredients of your choice to customize the recipe. Try for example with mushrooms or broccoli tops.
