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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.