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Cheesy Pasta Al Forno with Breadcrumb Topping


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

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!


Ingredients

Units Scale

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)

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