SkinnyMediterranean: Pasta al Forno (Italian Sausage Pasta Bake)

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Skinnymixer’s Pasta al Forno (Italian Sausage Pasta Bake) features in the Family Favourites section of the cookbook SkinnyMediterranean. After the first bite of this Italian pasta bake with dreamy ricotta béchamel and homemade sausage… I loudly exclaimed that this Pastitio-inspired recipe was THE recipe of the book for SkinnyMediterranean

The Pasta al Forno (Italian Sausage Pasta Bake) is a cookbook exclusive recipe…

This Italian Pasta Bake is Pastitsio – inspired with the most delicious ricotta béchamel and homemade Italian sausage. If you don’t love fennel, feel free to halve it. I prefer this with the lower amount of passata, but if you like it saucy then use the higher amount!

I love how the ricotta béchamel makes it creamy without being heavy — it’s proper comfort food you can enjoy guilt-free.

Why you’ll love it:

• Italian sausage flavours made simply with mince and herbs/spices. 

• Allergy-friendly – we have you covered with the dietary variations.

• Feeds a family (and tastes even better the next day).

• Freezer-friendly — perfect for busy weeks.

Serve it with a crisp salad and a little extra Parmesan. Heaven.

What you will need:

• 500g pork mince
• brown onion
• butter
• Chicken Stock Concentrate
• chilli flakes
• cracked black pepper
• dried oregano leaves
• dried thyme
• fennel seeds
• garlic
• garlic powder
• ground nutmeg
• milk of choice
• mozzarella cheese
• olive oil
• onion powder
• Parmesan cheese
• passata or tin diced tomato
• plain flour
• red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• ricotta or cottage cheese
• rigatoni or penne pasta
• salt
• smoked paprika
• sugar of choice
• tomato paste

This page exists to help people find what cookbook the Pasta al Forno (Italian Sausage Pasta Bake) is in and also to provide a basic shopping list for when you are out and about and have forgotten your eBook or shopping list. (Handy I know!). Plus extra recipe information – tips, FAQs and videos.

Dietary Variations

For this recipe we have variations for:

✔️ Dairy Free
✔️ Low Carb
✔️ Lower Calorie
✔️ Paleo
✔️ Vegetarian
✔️ Low Fodmap 

Want to know more about our SkinnyMediterranean cookbook? 

Inside SkinnyMediterranean you’ll find 60+ fresh, flavour-packed recipes inspired by Greece, Italy, France, Morocco & the Middle East — with both Thermo cooker and traditional methods included. Think share plates, vibrant salads, speedy midweek dinners, family favourites, chef specials and the most delicious sweets All of our cookbooks have a strong focus on Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free, Egg Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegetarian and Low FODMAP.

 

Love this recipe? You might like to try these…

• ALToG: Pastitsio
• SMENT: Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Lasagna
• THMD2: Family Lasagna
• SKINNYAMERICA: Spaghetti Meatball Bake

 

FAQ Section

Do I need a Thermomix® to make this?
No. The recipe includes both Thermomix® and traditional stovetop methods.

Do I need an oven for this recipe?

Yes. You need to bake in the oven.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake first, cool completely, then portion and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. I recommend using the higher passata amount to avoid it drying out when reheating.

What can I serve it with?
It’s a meal on its own, but a light salad or some steamed greens are lovely on the side.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favourite gluten-free pasta and follow the gluten-free information in the recipe.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce perfectly. Avoid long shapes like spaghetti — they don’t bake as well.