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Italian Cheesy Pasta Bake with Salame Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

This Italian Cheesy Pasta Bake with Salame is a comforting and flavorful dish combining al dente penne, savory salame, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce. Baked to perfection with a rich blend of crescenza, provolone, and Parmigiano cheeses, this recipe makes a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

  • 320 g / 11 oz penne rigate (or any short pasta)
  • 200 g / 7 oz salame, cut into strips or cubes

Sauce and Cheese

  • 400 g / 14 oz tomato passata (tomato purée)
  • 150 g / 5 oz crescenza (or cream cheese / stracchino as alternatives)
  • 80–100 g / 3–3.5 oz provolone cheese, grated or sliced
  • 60–80 g / 2–3 oz Parmigiano cheese, grated

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: dried oregano or fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas mark 4) to prepare it for baking the pasta later.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne rigate until al dente, which means about 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, infusing the oil with sweetness.
  4. Prepare the tomato sauce: Pour the tomato passata into the pan with the onion. Season with salt, black pepper, and optionally add dried oregano or fresh basil. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Create the creamy cheese sauce: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the crescenza cheese until it melts into the tomato sauce, making it rich and creamy.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy tomato sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in half of the grated Parmigiano and half of the provolone cheese to integrate the cheesy flavor into the dish.
  7. Assemble in a baking dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Evenly distribute the remaining Parmigiano and provolone cheese on top for a golden crust.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • You can substitute crescenza with cream cheese or stracchino if unavailable.
  • For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes to the sauce while simmering.
  • The recipe can be prepared ahead, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
  • Use fresh basil for garnish to elevate the aroma and presentation.
  • Ensure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/italian-cheesy-pasta-bake-with-salame-recipe/