Penne al Forno

Penne al Forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish, featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce with ground meat (often beef or pork), béchamel, and melted cheeses like mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Originating from Naples, it's a hearty, oven-baked comfort food that's a staple in Italian homes and trattorias.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in carbohydrates from the pasta, with a moderate to high fat content from the cheese and meat, and a good amount of protein. A typical serving (about 300-400g) provides roughly 500-700 calories, along with calcium from the cheese and iron from the meat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	20 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	750 mg
Calcium	300 mg
Iron	3 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	400 IU
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Zinc	3 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Penne al Forno is a beloved example of Italian 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a satisfying meal. Nutritionally, the combination of pasta and cheese creates a complete protein, while the tomato sauce adds lycopene, an antioxidant.