Trofie al Forno: A Savory Italian Delight
If you’re craving a hearty and comforting dish, Trofie al Forno is a perfect choice. This baked pasta recipe combines tender trofie pasta with rich, savory tomato sauce, succulent sausage, and melted provola cheese, making it an irresistible meal. With its warm, cheesy layers and a touch of tangy tomato sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trofie pasta | 300g |
| Provola cheese | 150g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 60g |
| Sausage (preferably pork) | 400g |
| Tomato passata | 500g |
| White onion | ½ |
| White wine | 50g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Butter | 70g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 50g |
| Whole milk | 500g |
| A pinch of salt | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: Begin by heating a small amount of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Finely chop the white onion and add it to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. While the onion is cooking, take the sausage and roughly chop it into small pieces. Add the sausage to the pan once the onions are ready and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
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Deglaze and Simmer: Once the sausage has browned, pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for a minute or two. This step adds depth to the sauce. Now, stir in the tomato passata and season with salt. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
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Cook the Trofie Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the trofie pasta and cook it until it is just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the pasta since it will bake further in the oven. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Make the Bechamel Sauce: In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy bechamel sauce. Add a pinch of salt to season.
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Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked trofie pasta with the prepared sausage and tomato sauce, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Next, take the bechamel sauce and pour it over the pasta mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated. Grate the provola cheese using a coarse grater and add half of it to the bowl, mixing it through.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with a little butter or olive oil and pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining provola cheese on top, followed by the grated Grana Padano DOP cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling with a slightly crispy edge.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The trofie al forno is now ready to be enjoyed with a fresh green salad or as a standalone dish.
Tips for Perfect Trofie al Forno:
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Choosing the Right Sausage: Opt for a high-quality pork sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, choose a sausage with herbs like fennel or chili flakes.
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Adjusting the Cheese: If provola cheese isn’t available, you can substitute it with mozzarella or fontina cheese, which also melt beautifully. The Grana Padano DOP cheese adds a wonderful, sharp flavor that complements the richness of the bechamel sauce.
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Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a few fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce for additional flavor. You can also stir in a dash of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and the pasta in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and pop the dish in the oven. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or dinner parties.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Calcium | 180mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Conclusion:
Trofie al Forno is a simple yet indulgent Italian dish that blends the flavors of rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and creamy cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will surely become a favorite. The combination of hearty pasta, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
