James Delmage Updates Pasta al Forno Recipe With New Photos

James Delmage released a comprehensive update to his Pasta al Forno recipe on December 23, 2025, refreshing photos and expanding process notes to emphasize technique and timing for a baked rigatoni finished with mozzarella and Pecorino Romano. The recipe calls for a mix of ground beef and ground pork, canned plum tomatoes, white wine as optional, rigatoni, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano. The update is aimed at home cooks who want precise, hands on instruction for a classic oven baked pasta.

The updated procedure starts with browning the meat, reducing any added wine, and simmering a full flavored sauce. A key timing note is to cook the pasta two to three minutes short of al dente so the rigatoni finishes cooking evenly in the oven without becoming mushy. Assembly takes place in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, with a layer of sauce spread on the bottom to prevent sticking, then pasta mixed with sauce and cheese, and remaining mozzarella arranged on top.

Baking instructions are clear and practical. Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 30 minutes, then use the broiler for one to two minutes if a bit of color is desired. Allow the dish to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the sauce sets and portions hold together. The update also includes make ahead and reheating guidance so cooks can prepare the dish in advance and finish it later.

These refinements matter to the community because timing and moisture control are the two factors that most often make or break pasta baked in the oven. The notes on undercooking pasta, using a generous sauce layer on the dish bottom, and finishing under the broiler are small adjustments that yield consistent texture and presentation. The page also offers a nutrition approximation for those tracking intake.

For homeowners practicing oven finished pasta techniques, this updated Pasta al Forno serves as a step by step, hands on tutorial on how to balance sauce, pasta, and cheese for reliable results. The added photos help visualize key stages from browned meat to bubbling, golden top, improving confidence for cooks preparing this comforting dish.