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#Corkscrew in the Oven #Corkscrew in the Oven Recipe Guide

Corkscrew in the Oven

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed: Large pot, casserole dish, skillet, oven

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 400 g 14 oz cavatappi or corkscrew pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 250 g 9 oz Italian sausage (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 800 g 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil or 2 tablespoons fresh
  • 200 g 7 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 50 g 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Method:
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi until just al dente (firm to the bite), as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
  • Assemble the Dish:
  • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a casserole dish lightly with olive oil. Layer the pasta-sauce mixture into the dish. Top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs for crunch.
  • Bake:
  • Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Variations:
  • Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corkscrew pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red chili flakes to the sauce for a kick.
  • Extra Creamy: Stir 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese into the sauce before baking.
  • Tips:
  • Undercook your pasta slightly, as it will absorb sauce while baking.
  • For a smoky flavor, try smoked mozzarella instead of regular.
Keyword Corkscrew in the Oven