Tomato Basil and Cheese Baked Pasta
Dive into the comforting flavors of this Tomato Basil and Cheese Baked Pasta, a perfect marriage of Italian-inspired ingredients and classic baked goodness. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a rich, garlicky tomato-basil sauce, infused with fragrant oregano and just a hint of optional red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Layered with gooey mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and crispy golden breadcrumbs, this dish bakes to bubbly perfection in under 25 minutes. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or an impressive potluck offering, this casserole-style pasta bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. Bursting with the rustic charm of fresh basil and melted cheese, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is irresistibly satisfying.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 leaves fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Add the chopped fresh basil leaves to the sauce and stir to combine. Remove the sauce from heat.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato-basil sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the dish.
Step 8
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Step 9
Top the second layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Step 11
Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1552.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2872.3 |
| Total Fat 97.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 207.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5340.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 380.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.5g | |
| Protein 127.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2176.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2690.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories