Baked Pasta with Cheese and Tomato Sauce

Baked Pasta with Cheese and Tomato Sauce recipe videos

Baked Pasta with Cheese and Tomato Sauce, often known as Baked Ziti or Pasta al Forno, is a comforting Italian-American classic where pasta is tossed in a rich tomato sauce, layered with melted cheese, and baked until bubbly. It typically features tube-shaped pasta like ziti or penne, marinara or meat sauce, and generous amounts of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese, while providing a moderate amount of protein. A typical serving offers calcium, lycopene from tomatoes, and energy, with a rough calorie count ranging from 500 to 700 calories depending on portion size and cheese quantity.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	650 mg
Calcium	250 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Vitamin A	400 IU
Vitamin C	10 mg
Vitamin D	15 IU
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg
Phosphorus	180 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it represents a hearty, communal meal often served at family gatherings in Italian-American cuisine. Nutritionally, the combination of tomato sauce and cheese creates a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, while the baking process enhances the dish's comforting appeal and depth.