When you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that brings a touch of culinary delight to your table, look no further than this Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil. This dish combines the rich flavors of creamy sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all enveloping perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why We Love This Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
This Creamy Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it is a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. The creamy sauce adds richness that complements the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the aromatic touch of basil. It strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized in various ways, allowing you to make it your own. Every forkful is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of a homemade meal.
Ingredients about Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
- 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.75 cup heavy whipping cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch white sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1.25 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped
How to Make Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Directions
To create this mouth-watering Creamy Pasta Bake, you will start by gathering your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a suitable baking dish to ensure your pasta doesn’t stick.
Next, boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Once boiling, add your penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 11 minutes. You want your pasta to be tender but still firm to the bite, known as “al dente.” Once it is cooked perfectly, drain the pasta but make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water for later.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and cook it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take roughly 5 minutes. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just enough to release its aromatic flavors.
Now, it’s time to bring in the richness! Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the skillet, allowing them to mingle and cook together for about 5 minutes until the mixture slightly reduces. Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese. At this stage, season the sauce with a pinch of white sugar along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This balance of flavors is key to achieving that delightful creaminess.
To combine the elements, gradually stir some of the reserved pasta water into the sauce, and then fold in the cooked penne. It’s important to mix well so that every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and gently toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil. If the mixture feels too thick, add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Once your mixture is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that gooey, irresistible finish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese has melted to perfection.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Serving your Creamy Pasta Bake is a celebratory moment. As you pull it out from the oven, let the warm, delicious aroma fill your kitchen. You can serve this dish piping hot right out of the oven, garnished with a few extra basil leaves for an elegant touch. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice for a balanced meal.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you might want to add a side of garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks to soak up any leftover sauce. This recipe is perfect for sharing, so consider serving it directly from the baking dish on the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves for a true family-style meal.
Expert Tips: Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Here are a few expert tips to elevate your Creamy Pasta Bake even more:
- Cheese Variety: While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, consider adding a bit of ricotta or goat cheese for an extra creamy texture and flavor burst.
- Pasta Choice: You can substitute penne with other pasta types, such as rigatoni or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
- Add Protein: For some additional heartiness, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers into the mix.
- Herbs for Flavor: Beyond basil, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as oregano, thyme, or even a bit of crushed red pepper for spice.
- Serving Leftovers: When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
How to Store Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
If you have leftovers (if you can manage to!), storing your Creamy Pasta Bake is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until heated through.
If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it before baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it convenient to have a delicious meal ready to pop in the oven on a busy day!
Variation of Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
While the classic version of this Creamy Pasta Bake is undeniably delicious, switching things up can bring new life to the dish. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Delight: Add a mix of your favorite roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms can add great flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce to liven things up.
- Different Sauces: Instead of using tomato sauce, why not experiment with a garlic Alfredo or a pesto sauce as the base for something different?
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Mixed Cheeses: Mix in cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a fun twist, giving your bake a cheesy satisfaction that’s sure to please anyone at the table.
FAQ
What is the best type of pasta to use for the Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Penne is an excellent choice for this dish due to its shape, which holds the sauce wonderfully. However, you can feel free to swap it out for any pasta type you prefer, like fusilli or rigatoni.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce in my Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up, and consider cooking them down a bit before adding them to the sauce to enhance flavors.
How can I make my Creamy Pasta Bake more flavorful?
In addition to the recommended spices, fresh herbs play a critical role in enhancing flavors. Adding a mix of herbs like oregano or thyme along with basil can elevate your dish.
Can Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve. Simply ensure that you cover it well to preserve freshness.
How do you prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the Creamy Pasta Bake?
Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should retain some firmness. This way, it won’t become overcooked while baking in the oven.
Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 1 package 16 ounce package penne pasta About 4 cups
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 large onion, finely chopped For flavor base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced To enhance flavor
- 3 cans 6 ounce cans tomato sauce For the sauce base
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste To thicken the sauce
- 0.75 cup heavy whipping cream For creaminess
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor
- 1 pinch white sugar To balance acidity
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper For seasoning
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved For sweetness and freshness
Cheeses and Herbs
- 1.25 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping and flavor
- 1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped For fresh flavor and garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a suitable baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of lightly salted water, add the penne pasta, and cook for about 11 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Incorporate the tomato sauce and tomato paste, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually mix in reserved pasta water and fold in cooked penne, halved cherry tomatoes, half the mozzarella cheese, and basil.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
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