Easy Baked Pasta Recipe: Creamy & Delicious Family Dinner

Prepare a delicious creamy and easy baked pasta for your dinner. A practical and tasty baked pasta recipe for the whole family!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Method
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 500g of pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, etc.)
• Water for cooking the pasta
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g ground meat
• 1 can peeled tomatoes
• 1 sachet tomato sauce
• 1 grated carrot
• Salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500ml milk
• Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste

For Finishing:

• 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Preparation Method

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Add the peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, grated carrot, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. In another pan, melt the butter, add the flour, and stir until a paste forms.
6. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until thickened.
8. In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, cover with half the meat sauce and half the white sauce.
9. Repeat the layers and finish with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
11. Serve the hot baked pasta.

Tips and Variations

• Add chopped vegetables to the meat sauce, such as bell peppers and zucchini, for a more nutritious baked pasta.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for gratinating.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with soy protein or mushrooms.
• Add diced bacon to the meat sauce for a smoky flavor.

CHEF’s Tips

For a perfect baked pasta, it is essential to cook the pasta al dente. This ensures it doesn’t become too mushy after baking. Also, when preparing the white sauce, use a whisk to stir constantly and prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture. Don’t skimp on the cheese for gratinating, as it’s responsible for creating that delicious golden crust everyone loves. An extra tip is to finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after it comes out of the oven to enhance the flavors and add a special shine to your baked pasta. This baked pasta recipe is an excellent choice for a family dinner or to impress friends with a comforting and delicious dish. Enjoy!