How To Make: PASTA AL FORNO | Quick & Easy Italian Baked Pasta Recipe by David Rocco

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining creaminess.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.

In a pan, heat extra-virgin olive oil and add minced garlic.

Add diced eggplant to the pan and sauté until slightly softened, being careful not to add too much olive oil as eggplant absorbs it.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the pan and sauté for a few more minutes.

Pour in a jar of pureed tomato and a little bit of water, then add salt to taste.

Mix the cooked rigatoni into the sauce in the pan, ensuring it's well coated.

Add half of the grated parmigiano and mix it in, then add chunks of mozzarella and scamorza cheese, stirring until they start to melt.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining parmigiano, and bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens