![- 300g penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes The main ingredients create a strong base for your creamy tomato pasta bake. Penne pasta holds sauce well and offers a nice bite. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the onion and garlic. The onion and garlic bring a savory aroma, while diced tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy punch. - 200ml heavy cream - 150g mozzarella cheese, shredded - 50g parmesan cheese, grated The dairy components make this dish rich and creamy. Heavy cream gives a luscious texture that blends perfectly with the tomatoes. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey top layer. Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and depth to the overall flavor. - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Herbs and seasonings enhance the taste of the creamy tomato pasta bake. Dried basil and oregano add warmth and earthiness, making every bite fragrant. Salt and pepper balance the flavors, allowing the dish to stand out. You can adjust these to fit your taste or try fresh herbs for a twist. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step gets things ready for baking. 2. Cook 300g of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. 3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute until it smells good. 4. Next, add 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. 5. Lower the heat and mix in 200ml of heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. 1. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. 2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. 3. Top with 150g of shredded mozzarella and 50g of grated parmesan cheese. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. 5. Once done, remove from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Now you have a delicious Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe] link. To make the best creamy tomato pasta bake, you must cook the pasta just right. Cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. This prevents the pasta from turning mushy during baking. Next, manage the sauce's consistency. You want a creamy sauce, not too thick or too runny. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it is watery, simmer it longer to thicken. Pair your creamy tomato pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a lemon dressing works well. You can also serve it with crusty garlic bread for a hearty meal. For presentation, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. This adds color and a nice aroma. You could also drizzle a little olive oil over the dish for shine. Sometimes, you might find your pasta dry. To avoid this, ensure you coat the pasta with enough sauce. If you find it dry, add a bit of cream or pasta water before baking. If your sauce turns out watery, try simmering it longer. This helps to concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce. You can also add a bit of cheese to help with consistency. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake. {{image_2}} You can easily change up this dish with different ingredients. For pasta, try using gluten-free or whole wheat options. Both work well and keep the dish tasty. When it comes to cheese, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Cheddar or feta can add a new twist. These swaps let you make the recipe fit your taste and needs. Adding more flavors is simple. Consider tossing in some fresh spinach or bell peppers. These veggies bring color and nutrition. You can also add protein. Chicken or sausage makes the meal heartier. This way, you can customize the dish to suit your family’s preferences. If you want to make this recipe vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream. You can use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and parmesan. For low-calorie options, use less cheese and choose whole grain pasta. These adjustments make the dish healthier without losing its creamy goodness. Feel free to explore all these variations to find your perfect version of creamy tomato pasta bake. For the full recipe, check out the link above! Store your creamy tomato pasta bake in an airtight container. Let it cool before putting it away. This helps keep the taste fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cover it well. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. In the fridge, your creamy tomato pasta bake stays fresh for three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for three months. After that, it may lose its taste and texture, so enjoy it while it's fresh. For the best flavor, always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or unusual texture. How long to bake Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake? You should bake the Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. This means it’s ready to enjoy. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just assemble it and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians. It contains no meat. You can enjoy all the flavors without any animal products. How can I make it lactose-free? To make this dish lactose-free, use lactose-free heavy cream. You can also choose lactose-free cheese. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy goodness. What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you want to skip heavy cream, try using coconut cream. It adds a rich taste without the dairy. You can also use a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option. Can I replace penne pasta with another type? Absolutely! You can swap penne for any pasta you like. Fusilli or rotini work great too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for success. You learned how to adapt this dish to fit your taste and dietary needs. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With a few basic steps and some creativity, you can make a delightful meal. Enjoy creating a pasta bake that suits your style and share it with others!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9b628c01-15f2-4d10-bfa5-0b832773f32b-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
Indulge in a comforting creamy tomato pasta bake that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This simple recipe features penne pasta, zesty tomatoes, and a rich cream sauce topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it will surely impress your family and friends.