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Cheesy Baked Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella is the weeknight meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. With its irresistibly gooey cheese topping and a rich, homemade tomato sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy baked pasta is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. It can be customized with your favorite ingredients, and it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta or sauce. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup.
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- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for families or meal prep
- Rich, comforting flavors
- Customizable with various ingredients
- Great for leftovers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Baked Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce in the skillet, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a cup of ricotta cheese before baking.
- If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.
Easy Variations
- Substitute penne with rotini or ziti for a different shape.
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
What to Serve With It
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A glass of red wine for an adult twist
Storage and Reheating
Leftover cheesy baked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine pasta with the sauce in the skillet.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
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Notes: Customize with proteins or veggies as desired.
