Cheesy Baked Pasta

Dive into pure comfort with this irresistible Cheesy Baked Pasta! Perfectly al dente penne is smothered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce and layered with creamy béchamel, then crowned with a golden, bubbly blanket of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. With its hearty flavors and luscious textures, this baked pasta masterpiece is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring a harmonious blend of garlic, basil, and oregano alongside a velvety roux-based sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying twist on classic Italian-inspired comfort food. Serve piping hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, indulgent meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400 g canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 500 ml milk
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 7

Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8

Season the béchamel sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 9

Combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 10

Spread half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the pasta and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Add the remaining pasta, top with the rest of the béchamel sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1819.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3415.2

Total Fat 151.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.5g
Cholesterol 360.3mg	0%
Sodium 5435.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 376.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.6g	0%
Total Sugars 49.4g
Protein 139.5g	0%

Vitamin D 233.6IU	0%
Calcium 2828.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 3113.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.8%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 43.9%