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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
- Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
- 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.
- 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