Baked Messy Sedanini

Baked Messy Sedanini is a hearty and delicious dish, perfect for a family dinner or a meal among friends. Here is the recipe to prepare them with an all-Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 500 g of sedanini or other short pasta
• 400 g of tomato pulp
• 200 g of mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella is better)
• 100 g of diced cooked ham
• 80 g of grated Parmesan
• 300 ml of béchamel sauce
• Fresh basil to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and season it with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of oil and add the tomato pulp. Cook for a few minutes and season with salt and pepper. Add some torn basil leaves to flavor the sauce.
3. In a bowl, mix the sedanini with the tomato sauce and the cooked ham. Add half of the diced mozzarella and mix well.
4. Place a first layer of pasta in a previously buttered or oiled baking dish. Pour half of the béchamel over it and sprinkle with some of the grated Parmesan.
5. Add the rest of the pasta and cover with the remaining béchamel, diced mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. Bake at 200 °C for about 20 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.
7. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Did You Know?

Baked Messy Sedanini comes from the tradition of baked pasta dishes, loved throughout Italy, but particularly favored in the South. It is a one-dish meal that encapsulates the flavor of family Sundays and celebrations. Al dente pasta and double cooking are the keys to a perfect result: the pasta becomes soft inside, while the top is irresistibly crispy.