Quick baked pasta
Pasta al forno veloce
First course
Baked short pasta with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano: the quick version of the Italian classic with pre-cooked pasta.
Baked pasta is one of Italy's most beloved Sunday dishes, but the traditional version takes hours. This quick version—with pre-cooked pasta, ready-made sauce, and mozzarella—is ready in 40 minutes. The secret is to pre-cook the pasta 70%: in the oven, it finishes cooking, absorbing the sauce and creating a golden crust on the surface. Perfect for using up leftover pasta or for preparing a convenient dish that's easy to bring to the table.
Instructions
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Cook the pasta to 70% doneness
8 minCook the pasta in salted water for 2/3 of the indicated time: it must be very al denteDrain and season with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from attacking.
Assemble
In one baking dish greased pan, make a layer of sauce on the bottom. Add the pasta, mozzarella, ham, half of the Parmigiano Reggiano and the basil. Mix. Level. Cover with the remaining sauce and the Parmigiano Reggiano abundant.
Bake in the oven
25 minBake at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the mozzarella is stringy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
Pre-cooked pasta (70%) prevents it from becoming soggy in the oven. More mozzarella = more enjoyment: don't skimp. It can be prepared in advance and baked on the spot: ideal for dinner parties.
Ingredients
- (14.11 oz) 400 g short pasta (rigatoni, penne (or ziti)
- (14.11 oz) 400 g tomato sauce
- (7.05 oz) 200 g mozzarella fior di latte mozzarella diced
- (2.82 oz) 80 g of Parmigiano Reggiano grated
- Fresh basil
- Extra virgin olive oil, salt
- (5.29 oz) 150 g of cooked ham diced
- Breadcrumbs for coating
Can't find it in the US?
- fior di latte mozzarellaMost US supermarkets
Fresh cow's milk mozzarella, well drained
Or: Low-moisture mozzarella for pizza and baked dishes
- cooked hamMost US supermarkets
Plain deli ham, unsmoked and unglazed
Avoid honey-glazed or smoked ham.
- dry breadcrumbsMost US supermarkets
Plain dry breadcrumbs
Not seasoned Italian-style crumbs and not panko.
⚠️ Automatic ingredient-based detection. Always check product labels.
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