Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this Creamy Pasta Bake, where perfectly al dente penne dances with a luscious tomato cream sauce, brightened by bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. A comforting and elegant dish, ideal for a delightful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
68 g
-
Cholesterol
62 mg
-
Fiber
5 g
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Protein
21 g
-
Saturated Fat
11 g
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Sodium
780 mg
-
Sugar
8 g
-
Fat
21 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. (5 minutes)
02 Step
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. (15 minutes)
03 Step
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (6 minutes)
04 Step
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Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. (5 minutes)
05 Step
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. (2 minutes)
06 Step
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Gradually add reserved pasta water to the sauce until desired consistency is reached. Add cooked penne and toss to coat. (3 minutes)
07 Step
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Remove from heat. Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes, half of the mozzarella cheese, and most of the fresh basil. (5 minutes)
08 Step
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Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. (2 minutes)
09 Step
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Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Garnish with remaining fresh basil before serving. (20 minutes)
For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a splash of dry red wine to the sauce.
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use about half the amount.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.7/ 5 ( 180 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (10)
Antwan Johnson
Mar 13, 2024I roasted the cherry tomatoes as suggested, and it added such a depth of flavor. Will definitely make this again!
Cole Rice
Sep 7, 2023The sauce is so creamy and flavorful. I will be using this sauce recipe for other pasta dishes as well.
Lyda Gleichner
Apr 20, 2023This recipe is so versatile. I've made it with different types of pasta and vegetables, and it always turns out great.
Jodie Murphy
Apr 18, 2023This creamy pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cold winter night!
Kailey Reichert
Feb 7, 2023I used gluten-free pasta, and it worked perfectly. This is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Abigail Marquardt
Feb 7, 2023My kids are picky eaters, but they devoured this pasta bake. A new family favorite!
Antonio Lynch
Feb 6, 2023I added some spinach to the pasta mixture for extra nutrients. It was a great addition.
Janiya Macgyver
Jan 27, 2023I love that this recipe is so easy to customize to my family's preferences. Thanks for sharing!
Bette Willms
Dec 13, 2022Simple, delicious, and satisfying. What more could you ask for?
Casper Hamill
Oct 16, 2022This recipe is a lifesaver! So easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, and the whole family loves it.