Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1 pound of ground pork
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the sliced leeks, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 472
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 29g
Sodium: 849mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground beef or ground turkey.
- Leeks can be substituted with onions or shallots.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil step, as it helps to keep the pasta from drying out in the oven.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pasta bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta bake in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta bake is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or chicken broth to the sauce before baking.
- If the cheese on top is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Pasta bakes are a popular comfort food in many cultures, and are often made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
Flavor profiles:
This pasta bake is savory and cheesy, with a hint of sweetness from the leeks.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pasta bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
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Taste: Savory, Rich, Herbal, Umami, Comforting