How to Make Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil - A Step-by-Step Guide

There is nothing quite like a comforting pasta dish, and if you're a fan of creamy and cheesy flavors, then this Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is sure to become a favorite in your household. This easy recipe combines the simplicity of a classic pasta bake with the fresh and vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes and basil, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

What makes this pasta bake truly special is the creamy and decadent sauce ...

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Ingredients

  • 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
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch white sugar
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion in oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir some of the reserved pasta water into sauce and add cooked penne. Remove from the heat and stir in cherry tomatoes, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and basil. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Pour penne mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    532 cal.

    • Total Fat: 21g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 62mg
    • Sodium: 780mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 68g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 21g
    • Vitamin C: 25mg
    • Calcium: 334mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 753mg