Go Back
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Dreamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake! This indulgent dish combines the rich flavors of creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and melty cheeses, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The comforting qualities of a baked pasta dish are hard to resist, as they offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that can warm the heart and satisfy the palate. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients and preparation steps, explore the benefits of each component, and delve into the culinary magic behind this delightful recipe.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with the Cheesy Dreamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake. This delicious dish blends creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal that's perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Learn how to prepare this crowd-pleaser step by step, explore the benefits of its key ingredients, and discover tips for achieving that golden, bubbly cheese topping. Dive into the magic of homemade pasta bakes today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Combine pasta and sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and stir until well incorporated. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

            Add cheese: Reserve 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and well blended into the pasta.

              Transfer to baking dish: Pour the creamy pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the reserved mozzarella cheese.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Enjoy your creamy and cheesy delight!

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6