Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
403 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
Description
The creamy tomato pasta bake begins by cooking penne pasta until just firm, then mixing it with a sauce made from sautéed diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. The sauce has a smooth and slightly tangy profile enhanced by herbs and a hint of creaminess. Combined and placed into a baking dish, the pasta is topped generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baked at 350°F, the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbly crust while the pasta absorbs the flavors from the sauce, resulting in a moist, comforting casserole. The texture balances tender pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. After baking, the dish is cooled slightly and garnished with fresh herbs for a fresh touch.
This bake suits casual family meals with possible additions like cooked chicken, ham, or ground sausage for protein. Notes advise cooking pasta al dente to avoid over softness after baking, adjusting creaminess by varying cream quantity, and preventing dryness by not overbaking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes drained, 1 can, canned, petite
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley, fresh, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta in salted water al dente according to the package directions and drain.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook until tender. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning and cook 1 minute or until fragrant. Add cream, tomatoes and marinara sauce. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Place pasta in a 9x13 pan. Add sauce and toss to combine.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake 20-25 minutes or until hot and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, cool 5 minutes and top with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after baking since it will cook further in the oven.
- For a richer sauce, add an extra one-third cup of heavy cream.
- Add cooked meats such as rotisserie chicken, ham, or sausage to increase protein content.
- Top with any preferred cheese varieties for customization.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent the dish from becoming dry.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 403 | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 633mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 454mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 875IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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