Baked pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella
Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella: a simple and tasty recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
If you are looking for a quick, delicious recipe that brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen, then baked pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella is the perfect choice. This recipe has deep roots in Italian culinary tradition, recognized for its simplicity and unmistakable flavor. It is ideal for everyday dinners as well as special occasions, offering a perfect balance between pasta, aromatic tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 400 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 100 g grated parmesan
- 450 g mozzarella (cut into cubes)
- 1 small white onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled and finely chopped)
- 2 chili peppers (finely chopped, quantity can be adjusted according to preference)
- 3 cans of tomatoes (400 g each, preferably whole or chopped tomatoes)
- Fresh or dried basil (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Boiling the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of sea salt to flavor the pasta. Once the water starts boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, but make sure to leave them al dente, so they don’t fall apart during baking.
2. Preparing the tomato sauce:
In a large skillet, add a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the onion over low heat. Add the garlic and chili pepper, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Avoid waiting until it browns, as you don’t want to change its color.
3. Adding the tomatoes:
Once the onion is ready, add the canned tomatoes to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring gently to break up the tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and red wine vinegar. These ingredients will add depth and flavor to your sauce.
4. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Use a metal or ceramic dish to bake the pasta. Start by adding a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a layer of tomato sauce and a few pieces of mozzarella. Repeat this process until you finish the ingredients, making sure to end with a generous layer of grated parmesan on top.
5. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden-yellow and slightly crispy. The flavors will combine deliciously, and the cheese will be perfectly melted.
6. Serving:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. You can add fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and a nice appearance. This baked pasta pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or crusty homemade bread.
Useful tips and tricks:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, add feta or ricotta for a different texture.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of chili pepper or add chili flakes.
- For added flavor, you can include olives or mushrooms in the tomato sauce.
- Make sure the pasta is not overcooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Nutritional benefits:
This baked pasta recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and, thanks to the tomatoes and basil, contains antioxidants and vitamins. Mozzarella provides calcium, while olive oil adds healthy fats that contribute to cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta will add extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I adapt the recipe for vegans? You can replace mozzarella and parmesan with available vegan alternatives and use additive-free tomato sauce.
- Can I prepare the recipe in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until cooking.
If you want to try other recipes to complement this dish, I recommend a fresh caprese salad or a refreshing lemonade to balance the rich flavors of the pasta.
In conclusion, baked pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella is a recipe that combines simplicity with delicious flavor, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 400g pasta, 100g grated parmesan, 450g mozzarella, 1 small white onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped, 2 hot peppers, finely chopped, 3 cans of 400g tomatoes, basil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil
