Chunky Tomato Pasta Bake

Dive into the comforting, homestyle flavors of this Chunky Tomato Pasta Bake, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With tender penne pasta tossed in a robust, herb-infused tomato sauce made from canned diced tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, this recipe delivers bold, rich flavors in every bite. Layers of gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese create an irresistibly melty, golden topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Quick to prepare with only 20 minutes of prep time, this baked pasta casserole is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd, serving up to six portions. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this family favorite is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Perfectly baked pasta, cheesy goodness, and classic Italian-inspired flavors—what's not to love?

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 800 grams (about 2 cans) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 200 grams, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams, grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pasta layer.

Step 9

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Step 11

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(640941.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	277827.0

Total Fat 19547.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4548.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5488.9g
Cholesterol 12974.5mg	0%
Sodium 836112.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 21011.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11540.2g	0%
Total Sugars 18645.4g
Protein 5366.8g	0%

Vitamin D 32IU	0%
Calcium 187557.7mg	0%
Iron 3602.2mg	0%
Potassium 1237038.2mg	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: 62.5%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 29.9%