Pasta al Forno con Salsiccia Recipe Guide

Pasta al Forno con Salsiccia, or Baked Pasta with Sausage, is a comforting and hearty dish that combines rich flavors and a delightful texture. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy dinner at home. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey cheese creates a pasta dish that is simply irresistible.

From my own personal experience, this dish always brings smiles to the table, making it a beloved favorite in many Italian households. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. So, let me show you how I make this delicious baked pasta dish.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a comforting, rich, and cheesy dish with layers of flavor that meld beautifully together during baking. The crispy cheese topping adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy layers beneath.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Medium
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20 (depending on ingredient quality and location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, baking dish, whisk, wooden spoon, and oven-safe dish.
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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sausage:

• 400g (14 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 300g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s slightly golden (this is called a roux).
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Season: Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and half of the béchamel sauce. Mix well.
2. Layer in Dish: Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread half of the remaining béchamel on top, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, béchamel, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
3. Rest: Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Swap: Try using different cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
• Pasta Shape: Use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as fusilli or farfalle.

Tips

• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking. Increase the bake time slightly if cooking from cold.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven until heated through.
• Adjust Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for sweet sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Pasta al Forno con Salsiccia seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Happy cooking!