Delicious creamy tomato basil pasta bake topped with fresh basil and cheese.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

Hey there, fellow cooking enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you love finding a recipe that combines comfort, simplicity, and a hint of gourmet flair. Enter the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake—a dish that brings all the warmth of home cooking into your life, without keeping you chained to the kitchen for hours. Whether you’re a busy mom trying to whip up something delicious for your family or a professional hoping to impress your friends after a long day at work, this creamy delight is here to save the day!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

So, what makes this recipe so special? Let’s be real: we all love cozy nights in, and this pasta bake might just be the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its creamy goodness, fresh basil, and cheesy layers, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones or maybe even sneak in that long-overdue episode of your favorite series (we know you’re addicted!).

Ingredients

Let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish:

  • 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work great!)
  • 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved (fresh or canned)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this masterpiece!

Steps to Whip Up Your Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat your oven. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-heated oven is crucial for that perfect bake!

  2. Cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

  3. Sauté the garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. The aroma is already making my mouth water—can you smell it too?

  4. Mix in tomatoes and sauce. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Let this simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Now’s the time to stir in that luscious heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is key!

  5. Combine the goodness. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy tomato mixture, and half of your mozzarella cheese. Fold in the fresh basil, which brings a burst of freshness!

  6. Layer it up. Transfer half of the pasta mix into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese on top, then finish by adding the rest of the pasta mixture and the remaining mozzarella.

  7. Bake! Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden—just the way we like it!

  8. Garnish and serve. Once you take it out (your kitchen will smell heavenly), let it cool for a few minutes before sprinkling more fresh basil on top. Then it’s time to serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips to Remember

  • Ready to take it up a notch? Try adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the mix for extra nutrition and color.
  • Don’t have heavy cream? You can easily swap it out for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry—that’s all part of the magic!

Personal Anecdote

I’ll let you in on a little secret—I first created this creamy pasta bake for a family gathering after hearing my kids rave about a similar dish at a restaurant. Let’s just say that it quickly became my go-to recipe! Everyone left the table full and happy, and I snuck in a little extra time to play board games instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute chicken for pasta in this recipe?

Sure! For a protein-packed option, you could add diced, cooked chicken breast. Just remember to adjust the baking time so everything gets warm without overcooking.

How can I store leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts about 3-5 days—if it lasts that long in your house!

Wrapping It All Up

So there you have it: the Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that promises to please your taste buds and warm your heart. Ready to tackle this easy, delicious recipe? I bet it will become one of your favorites! Celebrate the little victories—like making this dish—and watch as it transforms family dinners into cherished moments. Grab your apron, and let the cooking adventure begin!

Meta Description: Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake is your go-to recipe for an easy, comforting dish. Quick to make and oh-so-delicious! Try it today!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

A delicious and comforting pasta bake featuring creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and cheesy layers, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) Use your preferred type of pasta.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Fresh or canned can be used.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce Any brand will work.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Cheese and Garnish
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve some for topping.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped For mixing and garnishing.
Flavorings
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
Cooking
  1. Add halved cherry tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  2. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, creamy tomato mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Fold in fresh basil.
  4. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture and top with remaining mozzarella.
  5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touch
  1. Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For extra nutrition, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can substitute heavy cream for a lighter alternative if desired.

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