Creamy pasta bake with tomatoes and mozzarella

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A creamy pasta bake with tomatoes and mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tomatoes and the creamy, gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients

  • 400g (14 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
  • 200ml (about 3/4 cup) heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 50g (about 1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

  4. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and oregano or Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated. If the skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish.

  6. Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta. If you like, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.

  8. Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

This creamy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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