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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the chopped fresh basil leaves to the sauce and stir to combine. Remove the sauce from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato-basil sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
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.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Top the second layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
511 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.9 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 39 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1162 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 27.2 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 545 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 705 mg | 15% | |
*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.
