Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (1 lb) can tomato puree
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato puree, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine the cooked pasta and sausage mixture in a large bowl. Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and the parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Cook Notes
For a spicier kick, choose hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations
Keto Version
Substitute the rigatoni with a low-carb pasta alternative, such as zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta, and use a sugar-free tomato puree.
Low-Carb Version
Follow the keto version’s suggestions for pasta substitutes to reduce the overall carb content.
Nutrition Fact
Per serving (approximate values, varies based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary significantly based on ingredient choices and modifications.
Pasta al Forno is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of Italian cooking. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Buon appetito!
