Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Creamy Sicilian Baked Pasta: A White Delight
Discover the rich, comforting flavours of Sicilian white baked pasta, brimming with courgettes, ham, and tuma cheese – a perfect Sunday lunch treat.
📖 What is it
Discover the rich, comforting flavours of Sicilian white baked pasta, brimming with courgettes, ham, and tuma cheese – a perfect Sunday lunch treat.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ Main Ingredients
- ✓ 350g short pasta (penne, rigatoni or macaroni)
- ✓ 2 medium courgettes
- ✓ 100g cooked ham, diced
- ✓ 150g tuma cheese (or young pecorino)
- ✓ 80g Sicilian DOP pecorino, grated
- ✓ 200ml whole milk
- ✓ 250g ricotta
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- ✓ Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ✓ A pinch of nutmeg
📊 Nutritional Information
Picture yourself surrounded by the warm, inviting aromas of a Sicilian kitchen, where this white baked pasta becomes a comforting hug of authentic flavours. Fresh courgettes, diced ham, tuma cheese, and pecorino meld into a creamy, hearty dish that’s ideal for a family lunch or to impress your loved ones with genuine, traditional taste.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soften the ricotta by mixing it with the milk, a pinch of salt, and nutmeg until you get a smooth, creamy texture.
- 2
Dice the courgettes and gently fry them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the diced ham and cook for a few minutes.
- 3
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and combine it with the courgette and ham mixture.
- 4
Spread a few spoonfuls of the ricotta cream over the base of a lightly oiled baking dish.
- 5
Layer half the pasta in the dish, scatter over the cubes of tuma cheese, dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of grated pecorino.
- 6
Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the ricotta and pecorino.
- 7
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
- 8
Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving the white baked pasta warm and wonderfully gooey.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra indulgent touch, try adding cubes of caciocavallo or small pieces of smoked scamorza cheese for a lovely stretchy, flavourful finish.
- •
If you prefer a meat-free version, swap the ham for grilled aubergines or sautéed artichokes for a vegetarian option packed with character.
- •
Use a ceramic baking dish to ensure even cooking and to keep that irresistible crispy top.
- •
Cheese is the star here, lending creaminess and a lovely savoury depth to the dish.
- •
For a lighter take, reduce the amount of cheese and bulk up with more seasonal vegetables.
- •
To boost the umami, stir in a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes or a teaspoon of tomato purée into the béchamel.
- •
For a vegan twist, replace the cheeses with plant-based alternatives made from cashews or almonds, and use smoked seitan or tofu instead of ham.
- •
The secret to this recipe lies in the slow gratinée, creating that golden, crunchy crust everyone loves.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep the flavours fresh.
- • If making ahead, assemble the dish and cover it well before refrigerating, then bake just before serving to preserve the crisp topping.
- • For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pasta bake: thaw it slowly in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, avoiding the microwave to maintain the texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this creamy white baked pasta with a young, fruity Sicilian red like Nero d’Avola, which balances the richness beautifully. Alternatively, a crisp, mineral white Grillo offers a refreshing contrast. If you fancy venturing beyond Sicily, a classic Tuscan Chianti complements the cheeses and ham wonderfully.
Making this white baked pasta brings a slice of Sicily right to your table, filled with simple yet deeply satisfying flavours that tell tales of tradition and togetherness. I warmly encourage you to give it a go at home and share this delicious comfort with your nearest and dearest – it’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration.
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