Pasta al Forno

Pasta al Forno is a classic Italian baked pasta that’s comforting, hearty, and loaded with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Rigatoni absorbs the savory sausage sauce beautifully, and baking it in the oven gives you a bubbly, golden, irresistible top layer. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, bringing to potlucks, or making ahead for a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 (1 lb) can tomato puree
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onion 3–4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add sausage, crumble, and cook until browned; drain excess grease.
4. Stir in tomato puree, 1/4 cup water, salt, pepper, and oregano; simmer 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, boil pasta until just shy of al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
6. Add pasta to sauce with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/2 cup pasta water; stir well. Add more pasta water only if needed.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish; top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
9. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 70 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 8

Tips

• Slightly undercook the pasta—this keeps it from becoming too soft after baking.
• Let the dish rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and scoops cleanly.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—ziti, penne, or any sturdy tubular pasta works well.

Can I make this ahead?
Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake an extra 10 minutes if cold.

Can I substitute the sausage?
Ground beef or turkey works too—just adjust seasoning to taste.

Can I freeze Pasta al Forno?
Yes—freeze before baking and cook straight from frozen, adding extra bake time.