Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Tomato Pasta Bake! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal – it's a journey through comfort, tradition, and pure deliciousness that will elevate your home cooking to restaurant-worthy levels.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than the package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking. This typically takes 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, drizzle olive oil in a large baking dish, ensuring the bottom and sides are lightly coated to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot and mix with marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat each pasta piece evenly.
- Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the first layer.
- Add the remaining pasta on top, creating a second layer. Top with the remaining cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a loose tent to allow steam circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving. This adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, with additional grated Parmesan on the side if desired.
Tips
- Al Dente is Key: Always slightly undercook your pasta before baking. This prevents it from becoming mushy during the baking process.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Foil Technique: Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from burning while allowing the pasta to cook evenly.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the dish set and makes serving much easier.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: The fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Bake: Feel free to add extra ingredients like cooked ground meat, vegetables, or different cheese varieties to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
