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Penne al Forno con Besciamella

17/11/2023

Oven-Baked Penne with Béchamel is a comfort food that combines pasta with a rich white sauce to create a delicious gratin dish. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients for the Pasta:

  • 500 g of penne rigate
  • Salt to taste

Ingredients for the Béchamel:

  • 50 g of butter
  • 50 g of flour
  • 500 ml of whole milk
  • Grated nutmeg to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Assemble:

  • 200 g of grated cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, or a mix of cheeses to your liking)
  • Breadcrumbs to taste
  • Additional butter for greasing the baking dish

Béchamel Preparation:

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until you have a smooth mixture.

  2. Over medium heat, slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

  3. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste.

Pasta Preparation:

  1. Cook the penne rigate in plenty of salted water according to the instructions on the package, but stop a couple of minutes before full cooking time to keep it al dente.

  2. Drain the penne and set them aside.

Assembly and Baking:

  1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C.

  2. In a previously buttered baking dish, distribute a first layer of penne.

  3. Pour over some of the béchamel and sprinkle with some of the grated cheese.

  4. Add another layer of penne, followed by béchamel and cheese.

  5. Finish with a layer of cheese and a bit of breadcrumbs for a golden gratin.

  6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.

  7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Oven-Baked Penne with Béchamel are ideal for a family dinner or as a main dish during a cold day. The creaminess of the béchamel and the melting cheese make this dish irresistible. Enjoy your meal!

Penne al Forno con Besciamella