Vegetarian Pasta al Forno

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) penne pasta (or another type of short pasta)
• 125 g (4.5 oz) fresh mozzarella
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 300 g (10.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium courgettes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 40 g (2 tbsp) butter
• 30 g (1 ounce) plain flour
• 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) milk
• 100 g (3.5 oz) gruyere cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven at 200°C.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a...: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the pasta 3 minutes less than the instructions on the package. Drain it and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large...: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the onion and garlic for a couple of minutes. Add the mushrooms and courgette, and continue to cook for 7-8 minutes until they soften. Add the oregano, fennel seeds, basil, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, lower the heat, and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Make the cheese sauce in a separate saucepan...: Make the cheese sauce in a separate saucepan as the tomato sauce is simmering. Start by melting the butter, then add the flour to make a roux. Start adding the milk slowly, whisking continuously, until it starts to thicken. Continue until you use all the milk. Next, add the gruyere cheese, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely, then turn off the heat and set aside.

5. 5

   Add the pasta to a large oven dish...: Add the pasta to a large oven dish and stir in the cheese sauce. Stir until coated well, adding a bit of pasta water if the sauce is too thick, then transfer the tomato sauce to the oven dish as well. Toss everything well and top with shredded fresh mozzarella.

6. 6

   Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until...: Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and slightly golden.