Cheesy Pasta Al Forno Recipe

This cheesy pasta al forno is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with marinara, Alfredo, gooey cheeses, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and comforting: Creamy cheeses and hearty sauces make every bite indulgent.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients come together for a dish that looks and tastes impressive.
• Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or veggies for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz Alfredo sauce
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole:

2. Layer the Sauces: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
3. Mix the Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan, and half of the minced garlic. Stir until smooth.
4. Layer the Pasta: Add half of the cooked pasta to the dish, followed by half of the marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauces, and cheeses.

Add the Topping:

5. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and the remaining minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
6. Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Bake and Serve:

7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden.
8. Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or ground beef for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
• Spicy version: Stir red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a kick of heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

FAQs

1. What is pasta al forno?

Pasta al forno translates to “oven-baked pasta” in Italian. It’s a casserole-style dish with layers of pasta, sauces, cheeses, and sometimes meat or vegetables.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti works well for this recipe.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I use homemade sauces?

Yes, homemade marinara and Alfredo sauces will enhance the flavor even more.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time to keep it moist. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the topping.

6. Can I omit the Alfredo sauce?

If you prefer, replace the Alfredo sauce with extra marinara or a béchamel sauce.

7. How do I make it extra cheesy?

Add layers of shredded mozzarella and dollops of ricotta throughout for even more cheesy goodness.

8. What’s the best way to toast breadcrumbs?

Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and crisp.

9. Can I use pre-grated cheese?

Pre-grated cheese can be used, but freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.

10. Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, it’s hearty enough to be a main dish, but it can also be served as a side alongside a salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This cheesy pasta al forno with breadcrumb topping is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With its layers of flavorful sauces, gooey cheese, and golden topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal!

Cheesy Pasta Al Forno with Breadcrumb Topping

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Pasta Al Forno! Layered with marinara, Alfredo, gooey mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, it’s baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 lb pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti works best)
• 15 oz Alfredo sauce
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with minced garlic and olive oil (or melted butter). Stir until evenly coated and set aside.
3. Layer the Pasta Bake:
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta.
   • Top the pasta with half of the Alfredo sauce, half of the marinara sauce, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
   • Add the remaining pasta and repeat the layers: Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, and cheeses.
4. Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
   • Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
5. Bake the Pasta:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the baked pasta with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For added flavor, stir Italian seasoning into the marinara or Alfredo sauces.
• Add cooked vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) or protein (like cooked sausage or chicken) for variety.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired