Recipe
February 24, 2009
Baked Pasta Al Forno Recipe
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400ºF. Oil a large shallow baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass; set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions, draining pasta 1 minute before it is al dente. Do not rinse.
Step 3: Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until cooked through and browned. Remove meat from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Set aside.
Step 4: Drain excess fat from skillet and add olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and cook over medium heat until garlic begins to brown. Remove garlic and discard. Add tomato purée to the oil, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Transfer tomato sauce to a large mixing bowl. Add cream, stirring to blend. Add hot drained pasta, cooked sausage meat, mozzarella, and all but 1/2 cup of the Parmigiano. Stir mixture gently but thoroughly to coat everything well.
Step 6: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish or six individual gratin dishes. Scatter breadcrumbs and remaining Parmigiano over top. Bake in the centre of oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling vigorously and top is browned. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Directions
Yield:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400ºF. Oil a large shallow baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass; set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions, draining pasta 1 minute before it is al dente. Do not rinse.
Step 3: Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until cooked through and browned. Remove meat from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Set aside.
Step 4: Drain excess fat from skillet and add olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and cook over medium heat until garlic begins to brown. Remove garlic and discard. Add tomato purée to the oil, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Transfer tomato sauce to a large mixing bowl. Add cream, stirring to blend. Add hot drained pasta, cooked sausage meat, mozzarella, and all but 1/2 cup of the Parmigiano. Stir mixture gently but thoroughly to coat everything well.
Step 6: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish or six individual gratin dishes. Scatter breadcrumbs and remaining Parmigiano over top. Bake in the centre of oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling vigorously and top is browned. Cool 5 minutes before serving.